DENVER ? The results haven't been bad, considering the circumstances and the fact that these are the Denver Nuggets.

In the first two games of the season, they pulled off a big-time upset by winning at Phoenix, then almost knocked off the Milwaukee Bucks, who may be the best team in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

In short, the Nuggets have done exactly what they've said they must do with All-Star forward Antonio McDyess sidelined until February: They've given themselves a chance to win down the stretch.

The problem is, their pattern of building big leads then trying to hold on for dear life isn't a good way to build confidence over the long haul.