In a battle waged between two of the biggest teams in basketball, the Nuggets made their last stand by going small.

Most of what Jonas Valanciunas says is tongue-in-cheek, but even David Adelman will admit he has a point.

Valanciunas gives Nikola Jokic best backup of his career; Burns has helped Nathan MacKinnon produce best start of his career.

The Nuggets benefitted from one of their replacement games after the NBA Cup last season. Their task this week is to prevent Houston from taking advantage of a lucky draw.

How the Nuggets have adjusted to their makeshift starting lineup with Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones replacing two mainstays.

Denver hasn’t done anything yet. But the Nuggets’ 11-game winning streak on the road tells you they will.