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Nuggets vs. Mavericks: Match up to watch

By Michael Longhofer

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 4: Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 4: Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It’s tempting to pick Dirk vs. Nikola for the key matchup in tonight’s Nuggets versus Mavericks game.

Rising star vs. the man his game is compared to, old guard vs. new guard.  It should be entertaining as both are crafty.

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My choice, however, is Wilson Chandler versus Harrison Barnes.  Barnes has become a more aggressive defender in Dallas and should provide a challenge for Chandler.

Wilson is averaging 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season, while Barnes is averaging 18.7, 6.7 and 2.2, respectively.

Chandler is due for a breakout game.  His scoring is well below his career average, which isn’t to say he is playing badly, but it’s time for him to establish himself as a contributor to the starting lineup. We heard grumblings over the last two seasons that Wilson was unhappy with a bench role.  With the departure of Danilo Gallinari, the starting job was delegated to Chandler.  The results have been mixed.

It is an interesting study, I’ve observed Chandler to be a smart player that stays within his game.  It’s entirely possible that he, at least offensively, is stepping aside and letting our young, talented starting lineup take the bulk of the scoring responsibility. He’s +25 for the season and he’s tied for his career high in assists.

In the dog days of the season, however, it’s important that veteran leadership takes the reins.  This is the time when Jefferson, Chandler, Barton, Faried and Millsap need to help the young stars absorb the exhaustion and grind of the 82-game season.

Next: Time to change the starting lineup

Leadership can express itself in many ways.  Wilson Chandler doesn’t appear to be a vocal leader.  His best leadership ability is going to be to set the example.  A solid performance against a top-tier Small Forward like Barnes can go a long way toward establishing that leadership and putting the Nuggets back on solid playoff footing.

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