The Nuggets are currently sitting atop the Western Conference with 24 wins and 12 losses. Most recently, Denver defeated Eastern Conference leaders the Celtics (123-111).

In this game Michael Malone’s team made a strong push in the first quarter, winning it 37-28. After the Malone was asked about his team’s improvement in the way they start the games.

According to him, Denver has improved its defensive efficiency which helped the team go 10-2 in the last 12 games. Before that, it was embarrassing, he says.

“I think it was just a discussion as we’re in the middle of maybe December. You look at the rankings, which I often do, when you’re ranked 28th in defensive efficiency – that’s embarrassing,” Malone said.

“It’s embarrassing for us, it’s embarrassing for me. I’m not doing my job, the players in the that locker not doing their job. We’re too good to be 28th in defensive efficiency. Can we be number one? I don’t know, but I know we can’t be 28.

“I think now we’re I think 10 and 2 in our last 12 games and within that stretch we’re probably around 10th in defensive efficiency. There is no secret between the correlation between defense and winning.

“Everybody can talk about pace and this and that. Defense wins and I think our guys have had enough of it and me talking about it, you know ‘When are we going to guard for 48 minutes?’

“We still have so much room to grow on that end of the floor, but obviously it’s been really fun to see the defense rise up not only got 10-2 in the last 12, but to beat some really good teams within that stretch.”