The Denver Nuggets are facing an uphill battle to defend their NBA Championship title. Despite a solid victory against the Sacramento Kings, the competition in the Western Conference is fierce, with the Oklahoma City Thunder emerging as likely frontrunners for the top seed. In their recent game, the Nuggets secured a 116-110 win, with guard Jamal Murray praising the impact of Russell Westbrook, stating his energy has been vital for the team's aggressive play. Even though Westbrook is not at his MVP peak, his high-energy performance has helped propel the Nuggets to a 20-9 record while he’s been in the starting lineup.

As the Nuggets gear up to face the struggling Phoenix Suns next, the team is working to maintain momentum in a competitive landscape filled with talented teams vying for playoff positioning. With the Los Angeles Lakers also in the mix, the Nuggets must leverage their core players, including Nikola Jokic and Murray, to stay relevant in the playoff race. Friday's game against the Suns will be crucial for Denver as they aim to solidify their standing in the Western Conference.