The levers of offense around Nikola Jokic haven’t been pulled quite as automatically or instinctually as usual in recent weeks, but that hasn’t caused the machine to malfunction.

The Nuggets churn onward, spare parts and all. The fulcrum remains unaltered, unerring.

Their offense has demonstrated this month why it will be remembered as one of the most beguiling in basketball history. Their makeshift top unit has started nine full games together since Aaron Gordon was ruled out for several weeks , along with Christian Braun . During that time, it’s the most efficient five-man lineup in the NBA with an offensive rating of 139.

“I did not expect us to score the ball like we have,” coach David Adelman admitted.

“Stuff happens in this sport all the time,” Peyton Watson said. “… The

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