Despite not having Gary Harris for the last three weeks, Denver has set up a scenario in which it could play Wednesday at Minnesota for the Western Conference's final spot.
With Paul Millsap back from a wrist injury, the Nuggets have an arsenal of five 15-point scorers that has posted a series of tight wins. Jokic became Denver's efficient go-to player and adds elite big-man passing but Millsap is the All-Star who lifts the defense with Wilson Chandler and carries the offense at times, like his 36-point game at Oklahoma City nine days ago.
The Nuggets had to get back in the race the hard way, facing seven consecutive winning teams until Saturday's game at Staples Center against the Lakers.