By John Hollinger SAN ANTONIO—Sometimes one can’t appreciate a player with subtle skills until circumstances push him to the forefront. The recent play of the Denver Nuggets provides a good example

By John Hollinger SAN ANTONIO—Sometimes one can’t appreciate a player with subtle skills until circumstances push him to the forefront. The recent play of the Denver Nuggets provides a good example. With league-leading scorer Carmelo Anthony sidelined by an ankle injury, one would think the Nuggets would struggle mightily.

By Marc Stein The NBA’s trade deadline is now only three Thursdays away. Which naturally calls for some fresh dribbles of trade chatter from various team executives and league insiders: The Blazers have indeed registered their interest in Washington center Brendan Haywood, given Haywood’s obvious appeal as a short-term replacement – with an expiring $6 million contract – for the fallen Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla

Garrett W.

By Chris Broussard Ever since J.R.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets are talking about a possible punishment for sulking guard J.R. Smith, whose behavior has rubbed management the wrong way.

The Los Angeles Clippers will be without guards Eric Gordon and Sebastian Telfair against the Denver Nuggets because of injuries.

The Los Angeles Clippers will be without guards Eric Gordon and Sebastian Telfair against the Denver Nuggets because of injuries.

Two months ago in Los Angeles, the Denver Nuggets suffered a rare loss to the Clippers. The Nuggets have reason to believe things will be different with a rematch on their home court.

Two months ago in Los Angeles, the Denver Nuggets suffered a rare loss to the Clippers. The Nuggets have reason to believe things will be different with a rematch on their home court