In the current scenario in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets is the second best team after the Lakers. Denver has won 7 consecutive games and a dozen of the previous 13. In these games, the average margin of victory has been 12.3 points per game. In the last 5 seasons, the same team had a disappointing 4-20 record and there were 5 continuous first round exits. This contrast of results indicates that now the team is an improved and dominant one.
Reasons of improvement
Some people are of the opinion that as the team parted with former MVP Allen Iverson and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby, some change can be seen in the team. Also, they accepted Chauncey Billups. Another reason which is being cited is that the team has Nene back, who has displayed tremendous form in this season. Also, Carmelo Anthony took part in the Olympics and began playing defense rather more intensely. The coach of the team, George Karl has given them such a defensive philosophy that as compared to the past they are a much better defensive team. One more player who deserves recognition is Chris Andersen. He is one of the top five players as far as blocks per game are concerned. When Chauncey Billups was playing in Detroit, he was a good defensive player. The key to the current defense of the team has been his leadership. In the past also, the coach Karl had emphasized defense, but it is only now that it is being implemented as desired.