Chris Anderson doesn’t have to score a lot of points, or even play a lot of minutes to be a difference-maker for the Denver Nuggets.  “The Birdman” is averaging 22.3 minutes per game, 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 0.7 blocks this season.  He is great at guarding the rim, and whether he blocks the shot or not the opposition has to adjust the way they attack the basket when he is on the court.  Despite an ailing knee with tendinitis, Anderson has been playing even better lately.  During the Nuggets current three-game winning streak, Anderson is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks.  A fan favorite in Denver, Anderson not only gives the Nuggets a great shot-blocker, but he also brings a lot of energy and excitement to the team when he comes off the bench.  Hopefully Anderson’s knee tendinitis doesn’t get any worse and he can continue to play through it, because he will be a huge asset for them in the playoffs when defense is needed most.

The Nuggets shot 50.6% from the floor last night and they led the Thunder 92-64 after three quarters before calling off the dogs. Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Nuggets last night with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Nene had another solid game for the Nuggets last night with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in only 25 minutes. J.R. Smith pitched in with 18 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. The Nuggets are now 40-21 on the year.

The Nuggets didn’t look to interested in playing last night as the Suns led the game 84-67 after the first three quarters. The Suns also outrebounded the Nuggets 46-36 and that showed a real lack of effort from the Nuggets. Chauncey Billups led the way for the Nuggets last night with 21 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Carmelo Anthony had a off night hitting only 7 of 21 shots from the floor as he finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. J.R. Smith pitched in with 16 points and 3 rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets are now 39-21 on the year.

24-year old shooting guard J.R. Smith is giving the Nuggets a lot of firepower off the bench this season. Smith has played in 51 games (0 starts) for the Nuggets this season and he is averaging 27.9 minutes, 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Smith is the third best offensive player on the Nuggets and I really like how they deploy him so that they always have at least two solid offensive players on the court.

The Nuggets don’t have a lot of available minutes for rookie Ty Lawson but he’s making the most of them. Lawson has played in 52 games (8 starts) for the Nuggets this season and he is averaging 22.0 minutes, 9.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Lawson is shooting 51.3% from the floor and 42.9% from three point range so far this season which is outstanding. He will likely be a starter down the road for the Nuggets but his job for the rest of the year is to provide offense off the bench.