--C Nene doesn't miss much these days. Nene shot 8-of-9 Tuesday against Toronto to raise his NBA-best field-goal percentage to 64.2 percent. Unlike some players high up in field-goal percentage, Nene isn't just throwing down dunks. The key for Nene is his fine shot selection. He's showing he can hit an outside jumper when needed.

--F Kenyon Martin is averaging 1.88 steals for game, and has found himself among the NBA's top 10 in that department. "I'm trying to be first," he said. Nuggets coach George Karl said Martin has "great defensive hands." The veteran has ability to slap down on the ball and get steals without being called for fouls.

--G Chucky Atkins has no problems with routs. Atkins thought he would enter training camp with a chance to be Denver's starting point guard, but is a third-stringer following a knee injury that cost him the season's first 10 games and the Nov. 3 acquisition of Chauncey Billups. But Atkins got to play 11 minutes in Tuesday's 132-93 win over Toronto, and he made the most of it by handing out four assists.

--C Cheikh Samb had the game of his NBA career Tuesday against Toronto. Playing the last eight minutes of Denver's 132-93 rout, Samb scored his first points for the Nuggets. Samb, who was acquired Nov. 3 from Detroit, tied his career high with four points and had a career-best six rebounds. Samb, who also had two blocks, buried two late jumpers. While it was all in garbage time, he showed some signs that he could help the Nuggets some day.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Steven Hunter (right knee surgery) hasn't played since the first preseason game. He underwent surgery Nov. 14, and will be out until at least mid-February.

--G-F Sonny Weems (left groin strain) hasn't played this season, but has returned to practice. Whenever Weems plays in a game, it could be with the NBADL's Colorado 14ers.