Nuggets poised for a deep playoff run

By the numbers: Denver is 36-19 overall, nine games behind the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder, just as the NBA All-Star break starts this weekend.

Why it matters: Each win drives them closer to a higher seed in the NBA playoffs.

State of play: Center Nikola Jokić stars as primary catalyst for the team's offense, playmaking and incredible shot-making. (Seriously, watch this — or this.)

• The three-time league MVP is orchestrating the best statistical season of his career, averaging a triple-double to keep Denver in contention.

Context: While Jokić's monster numbers are crucial, Denver's overall chemistry appears to have jelled over the past two months.

• Forward Michael Porter Jr. obliterated any talk of a potential trade by straight-up ballin'.
• Third-year guard Christian Braun has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat, nearly leading the league in fast-break points.
• Guard Russell Westbrook's renaissance was pivotal in securing victories during forward Aaron Gordon's injury absence earlier in the season.
• Younger players including Julian Strawther, who on Wednesday was named as a replacement player in the Rising Stars Game, and Peyton Watson are also making meaningful contributions off the bench.

The intrigue: Guard Jamal Murray, despite his perceived inconsistency, ranks second in scoring on the team, and has been steadily improving despite injuries costing him some missed games.

Case in point: Murray dropped a career-high 55 points against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

What we're watching: Perhaps Denver's biggest weakness is how poorly they play without its megastar center on the court, something the Nuggets will need to figure out for a chance at making a deep playoff run.

• Plus, as impressive as their win streak looks, it's been against the league's worst teams.