5 things to watch for in the second half of the 2020-21 NBA season

3. The Denver Nuggets rediscovering themselves

A 21-15 record and the sixth spot in the Western Conference isn’t where the Denver Nuggets expected to be following their surprising run to the conference finals last season. But how they entered the break has them trending in the right direction with all the moving pieces beginning to fall into place.

After struggling through much of the season, Jamal Murray rediscovered some of the magic that made him the bubble’s breakout star. Over the last 12 games, he’s averaged 28.5 points a night on absurd shooting splits of .554/.470/.925.

Injuries to Paul Millsap and Jamychal Green have opened up minutes at the power forward position, which Mike Malone has wisely filled with the talents of Michael Porter Jr.

MPJ’s size and shooting ability were always better-suited for the four spot, where he could take advantage of defenders who couldn’t contain him off the dribble or properly contest his shot. He’s proven the decision right by averaging 17.0 points while shooting 52.6 percent on 6.3 3-point attempts and pulling down 10.5 rebounds a game in Denver’s last six outings.

Nikola Jokic has been playing like the best player in the world this season, but he’s needed help to legitimize his MVP campaign and, more importantly, keep the Nuggets atop the Western Conference standings.

His running mates are now doing their part, as is Malone, shifting to a smaller lineup with Monte Morris starting in the backcourt. Denver has won four straight and five of six. An already cluttered top of the west standings might just lose a bit of airspace.