Thursday, February 07, 2002 - The Denver Nuggets' 14-31 record won't be erased when they return to the court Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics. Images of former coach Dan Issel's tirade against a fan and subsequent resignation still are in the backs of the Nuggets' minds. Nick Van Exel's trade request isn't gone, either.

But as the Nuggets entered the all-star break after a 97-96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, problems past and present weren't the subject of choice. Rather, the talk was optimistic, of how the second half of the season could be much better with key players - forward Antonio McDyess, swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad and center Scott Williams - returning from injuries.