--C Chris Andersen got some rest, and it worked wonders. Andersen sat out Friday's game at the Los Angeles Clippers due to tendinitis in his right knee. So he hadn't played since Tuesday when he took the floor Saturday against Chicago. Andersen looked quite spry, shooting 4-for-4 for nine points and grabbing five rebounds in 25 minutes. He tied a season high with three blocks.

--G Chauncey Billups often says he only looks to score big when needed. It was needed in the first half Saturday against Chicago. The Nuggets fell behind 25-11 late in the first quarter, and Billups was scoreless. Billups then scored 17 points the rest of the half, and the Nuggets were down just 52-49 at intermission. With Billups finishing with 21 points, Denver won 112-93.

--G Arron Afflalo has suddenly found the going tough as the Nuggets' starting shooting guard. In his first four games, Afflalo averaged 9.0 points and shot 50 percent or better in each game. However, in his past two games, Afflalo has shot just 1-for-10 while averaging two points. The Nuggets obviously need more out of Afflalo, or his job could be on the line.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Chris Andersen returned Saturday against Chicago after sitting out Friday at the Los Angeles Clippers due to tendinitis in his right knee.

--G Anthony Carter sat out his fourth consecutive game Saturday against Chicago due to a left hip strain. Carter continues to be listed as day-to-day.