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The Nuggets kept their win streak alive with a satisfying win against the Charlotte Hornets.Often, this season, the Nuggets have strung together enough good performances that we breathe a little easier and declare they've turned a corner. That elation is usually followed by baffling defeats to inferior teams. It's hard to say, with this team, if they've truly overcome the malaise that prevents them from jumping into that top-tier of Western Conference teams.Last night's contest with the visiting Hornets was one of those "trap" games that have plagued this gifted but inconsistent team. This night was different, though, led by Gary Harris' 27, the Nuggets were able to easily overcome the Hornets, 121-104, leading to further speculation that the Nuggets have shed the underachiever label and graduated to that next level.The win put the Nuggets back into the 6th spot in the Western Conference playoff race, a single game behind 5th place OKC. Nikola Jokic led with 16 rebounds and Will Barton handed out a team high 8 assists. Among the starters, only Wilson Chandler did not score in double-digits. The bench performed well, with Lyles, Mudiay and DA combining for 33 points, and Torrey Craig matching Lyles with 7 boards. Craig had a scare late on a high-flying block attempt (They say Flagrant 1 on DA, I say clean block.).Over the summer, I wrote about the Nuggets need to stay the course. My contention was, that, for the 2018-19 season, there is virtually no pathway to a championship for this young team. Without the addition of several, proven, top players, there is little chance that the Nuggets could beat the Warriors or Rockets over a 7-game series. The wise path forward, then is to develop the incredible amount of talent this team has cultivated and be prepared for when it is their time.The central theme of my piece was that our core, at full potential, is better than anything we could get in trade or through free agency. Put another way, at the top of their game, there's not another Center, Shooting Guard or Point that I'd rather have in Denver than Jokic, Harris and Murray. By way of support, I point to our 2-2 record against the Champs and the last week of games. This team is on the verge of breaking through.This is specifically why I bristle at the rumored trade scenarios out there for the Nuggets. There is no value in making moves just to make moves. I can't make the case that this team would be markedly improved by the addition of Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart or any of the proposed PG swaps that we've heard (Collison?). We saw Kemba last night, we've seen Payton, I just don't see that their games would improve the Nuggets fortunes enough to mess with what has become great chemistry on this team. If we need a lesson on what damaging team chemistry can do to a tight team, we need look no further than across I-25 to the aftermath of the Broncos decision to part ways with TJ Ward. A seemingly small move, with a rising stud coming up behind him in Justin Simmons but it had an impact on a secondary that had finished first in the NFL two consecutive years.I get that professional sports are a business. I get that an immeasurable value like "chemistry" is difficult to attach a lot of team resources to but if this team has turned a corner and is competing and beating the top teams in the league, what need is there to upend that? We are already facing the imminent return and reintegration of Paul Millsap, which for all intents and purposes will be like acquiring him via trade. The fan base is easily placated with wins, so there's no need to appease them. The Nuggets have the highest increase in attendance in the league, they just had the largest crowd in their Pepsi Center history. They are smiling, they are enjoying this (Gary Harris declining to get posterized by Dwight Howard was classic). Until they show signs of regression, someone is going to have to explain to me why there's such a push to make a move before the trade deadline on Thursday.This will, of course, all be put to the test on Friday against a Rockets team that's pushing Golden State for the top record in the league. James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career and looks unstoppable. It's fitting, then that whatever team the Nuggets roll into Houston with is the team they will carry to the end of the season. I for one, believe in this team, as constituted. It's been fun to fantasize about what-if scenarios for LeBron or Kawhi but the realistic prospects for the Nuggets don't justify tinkering with a team that's playing as good as any in the League.As we saw last night, the Nuggets are fully capable of powering through trap games, coming off of big wins. If that maintains, it's one of the final hurdles to this team making some postseason noise and one step closer to NBA legitimacy.

Denver Nuggets: Free agency update #2

Grayson Moore

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Jul 6, 2018

Denver Nuggets: They are on pace for a 50 win season

Mathew Huff

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Jul 5, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Time to trade Darrell Arthur

Mathew Huff

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Jul 5, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Paul Millsap deserves a chance

Mathew Huff

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Jul 5, 2018

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kenneth Faried

Denver Nuggets: Three trades to shed salary

Kevin Oestreicher

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Jul 4, 2018

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets on December 15, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Did DeMarcus Cousins ruin the Denver Nuggets’ chances?

Mathew Huff

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Jul 4, 2018

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Juan Hernangomez #41 of the Denver Nuggets garbs a rebound during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 12, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Will Juancho be a surprise next season?

Mathew Huff

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Jul 4, 2018

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets speaks with media after defeating the Sacramento Kings on November 20, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: ESPN has taken it too far this time

Mathew Huff

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Jul 3, 2018

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 12: Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets: What Jokic needs to overcome to become a two way player

Mathew Huff

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Jul 3, 2018

DENVER- 1990: Fat Lever #12 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Utah Jazz during a game played circa 1990 at McNicholls Arena in Denver Colorado. 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 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Fat Lever vs. Chauncey Billups

Grayson Moore

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Jul 2, 2018

(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Jokic will be a MVP candidate next season

Mathew Huff

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Jul 2, 2018

DENVER, CO - MARCH 7: Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) loses control of the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks on in the third quarter on March 7, 2018 at Pepsi Center. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

What the LeBron decision means for the Denver Nuggets

Mathew Huff

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Jul 2, 2018

Cleveland Cavaliers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 929060806

Denver Nuggets: Free agency update, day one

Grayson Moore

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Jul 1, 2018

DENVER, CO - JUNE 22: Denver Nuggets draft pick, Michael Porter Jr., poses for a photo during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Fans have been “trusting the process,” before it was cool

Mathew Huff

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Jul 1, 2018

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Five cheap options at point guard

Grayson Moore

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Jun 27, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Fans react after Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets: Jokic a Nugget for life?

Mathew Huff

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Jun 26, 2018

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Is Jamal Murray a superstar in the making?

Kevin Oestreicher

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Jun 26, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Alex English vs. Carmelo Anthony

Grayson Moore

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Jun 26, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: How Denver can build a super-team by 2020

Kevin Oestreicher

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Jun 25, 2018

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 20: Nikola Jokic #15 and Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets box out Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 20, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Free agency preview

Mitchell Carter

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Jun 25, 2018

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 13: Trevon Duval #1 of the Duke Blue Devils against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 89-71. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Could Trevon Duval be the answer at PG for Nuggets?

Grayson Moore

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Jun 24, 2018

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 24: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on February 24, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets NBA Draft: Second round review

Blake Holmes

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Jun 23, 2018

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Michael Porter Jr. shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected number fourteen overall by the Denver Nuggets during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Five reasons they got the steal of the draft in Michael Porter Jr.

Mathew Huff

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Jun 21, 2018

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr #13 of the Missouri Tigers watches the action against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Two targets if Denver trades up in the draft

Kevin Oestreicher

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Jun 21, 2018

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks and Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets shakehands before the game on January 10, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Why they should trade with Atlanta

Mathew Huff

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Jun 20, 2018

DURHAM, NC - JANUARY 13: Trevon Duval #1 of the Duke Blue Devils against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 89-71. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three second-round targets for the Nuggets in the 2018 Draft

Kevin Oestreicher

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Jun 20, 2018

DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Who’s better, Nikola Jokic or Karl-Anthony Towns?

Grayson Moore

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Jun 18, 2018

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 01: 2018 Citizen Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Jalen Brunson of the Villanova Wildcats poses with head coach Jay Wright and the 2018 Citizen Naismith Men's College Player of the Year trophy during the 2018 Naismith Awards Brunch at the Pearl Stable on April 1, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets NBA Draft Prospect Analysis: Jalen Brunson

Blake Holmes

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Jun 18, 2018

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