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Denver Climbing Up in the West

Denver is showing signs that the team is finally getting back on the right track. The biggest hurdle facing the team has been the injury bug that has taken a big toll. The Nuggets lost Nene for the rest of the season during the first game of the season. The Martin and Boykins also got injured, which has also slowed down the team considerably. Let?s also not forget Marcus Camby who have also been sidelined with an injury.

Marcus Camby has been an All-Star caliber center this year, excelling in all areas when he is on the floor. Carmelo Anthony has picked up his game as well as he has become a more efficient weapon for the Nuggets. He gets to the line more often and has been taking fewer and making more shots. He has also been playing within the offense which results in more assists and rebounds. The Nuggets have also been playing better defense, improving in many of the major defensive categories. With the improvement in these three areas, why has there been a regression in the overall record?

The Nuggets were most effective last year when they would run the fast break without allowing the ball to hit the floor. While Miller is a consistent point guard, he is more than happy enough to walk the ball up the floor after a rebound. The Nuggets have also lacked the killer instinct to win close games, as is evidenced by their opening night loss to the Spurs, their loss to the Lakers at home, and their recent overtime losses. The Nuggets of a year ago would have closed teams out in regulation and if games did go to overtime, would have finished the game strongly.