AUBURN HILLS, MICH. ? Chauncey Billups managed a modest smile as he walked off the Palace court Friday night. For four hours, it had been ground zero for one of the most memorable Game 5’s in NBA playoff history.

Despite the consequences of the outcome, the Pistons’ 127-120 triple-overtime loss to the Nets was a privilege to play in, one of those thrillers that remains a distant dream for most.

“It had everything you could ask for,” Billups said, “except that we didn’t win it.”

Billups was one of the last ones standing after 63 heart-stopping minutes. He answered a city’s prayers at the end of regulation, but the limits of divine intervention were exposed when this roller coaster reached a climactic third overtime.

The Pistons are staring at elimination after losing their third straight to a determined team that gritted its way through some self-inflicted wounds.

Billups recovered from a disappointing two games at New Jersey and severe back spasms, leading the Pistons with 31 points — none more important than the 43-foot runner at the end of regulation, which bounced off the glass and threw a dagger into New Jersey’s heart.

The shot tied the score at 88-88 and sent the game into overtime.

“I wasn’t sure if they were going to try and foul me,” Billups said, “so I had to get a shot up as quickly as I could. I liked our chances after that shot went in.”

But he was the only Pistons starter still on the floor late in the third overtime. He was the only one who hadn’t taken a seat on the bench after fouling out, but there wasn’t much spring left in his legs.

And with his shot went the Pistons’ last good chance to salvage one last miracle.

“I thought the game was great,” said Pistons coach Larry Brown. “So many guys stepped up to make great plays, and he was certainly in that category. He was phenomenal. He kept us in the game. He played terrific.”

Billups rejoined the living. But can that be said of the Pistons’ championship hopes?

Seven-game playoff history has taught us that when Game 5 serves as a 2-2 tiebreaker, the winner has eventually claimed the series 83.5 percent of the time. The Nets could finish off the Pistons tonight at Continental Airlines Arena.