--Chris Andersen's play lately has had Nuggets coach George Karl thanking higher powers.
Over the past three games, the center has averaged 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. He's gotten 12 rebounds in all three games. "We have been given a gift by basketball gods," Karl said. "To lose Marcus (Camby) and replace him with a similar player. He's an excellent dude."
The Nuggets sent Camby, a center and the reigning NBA shot-block champion, to the Clippers last July in a salary dump. But they soon signed Andersen to a minimum contract, and he ranks third in the NBA in blocked shots.
--When Nuggets center Nene suffered a bone bruise on his right knee Feb. 22 at Milwaukee, Nuggets coach George Karl figured he would be out at least the rest of the week. But Nene made it back faster.
Nene missed just two games and returned Friday against the Lakers, playing 20 minutes and scoring eight points while grabbing seven rebounds, off the bench. Then Nene returned to the starting lineup Sunday at Indiana, although he showed a bit more rust in 34 minutes of duty.
Nene grabbed 10 rebounds. However, Denver could have used a bit more offense than the 12 points he provided.
"He's a force defensively," said Karl, who missed that during Nene's absence.
Nene's health is considered one of the key's to Denver's season. After missing 66 games last season, Nene has missed just three of the Nuggets' 60 games.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "You got to play at a harder level than we played to win on the road. -- Nuggets coach George Karl, on his team's 100-94 loss Sunday at Indiana.
