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The Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz on Friday night to win their third consecutive game. After falling behind in the Western Conference to start the season with three road losses, the Nuggets are back in the middle of the pack in ninth place in the West, among a crowded field of teams.
The San Antonio Spurs lead the way in the West with a 5-1 record, just a half game ahead of the surprising Minnesota Timberwolves (4-1) and Memphis Grizzlies. Minnesota continues winning despite playing without injured starters, Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be the biggest surprise in the standings as they sit in last place in the West with a 2-4 record following the firing of coach Mike Brown.
In the East, the New York Knicks (4-0) are undefeated and rolling with all four of their wins by double-digits. The Knicks handed the Miami Heat (5-1) their only loss of the season, keeping the heavy favorites in the East in second place. The Knicks are also keeping the local buzz away from the Brooklyn Nets as the two teams share the city this season.
The Nets have been inconsistent to start but sit in sixth place in the crowded East at 2-2. Count the Milwaukee Bucks among the other surprises in the East as they lead the Central Division with 3-1 record while the Boston Celtics are in eighth in the East after a 2-3 start.