--G Arron Afflalo rebounded in a big way against New Jersey, shooting 6-of-8 for 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds. In his previous two games, Afflalo had shot just 1-of-10 while averaging 2.0 points. Afflalo called it just a matter of working hard. He also spoke of being spurred on by the home crowd of 16,307, which was louder than one might figure considering the foe was the lowly Nets.

--C Nene has been hoped to get off to good starts so he doesn't get lost offensively. That's exactly what happened Tuesday against New Jersey. Nene scored eight of his 17 points in the first quarter. That helped the Nuggets take a 27-19 lead and they cruised to a 101-87 win.

--G Chauncey Billups suddenly is struggling offensively. In four of his past five games, Billups hasn't reached double figures and has averaged just 8.8 points during the stretch. Billups had just five points on 1-of-8 shooting against New Jersey. But nobody seems concerned because the Nuggets have won four of their past five.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Anthony Carter, who has been bothered by a left hip strain, sat out his fifth straight game. The point guard has been in uniform the past three games and has been called available. But Carter, with the emergence of rookie point guard Ty Lawson, hasn't been needed.