The Nuggets are going through an identity crisis that they’re more than happy to indulge. For three years under coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets (20-9) had rolled out defensive outfits that ranked 23rd, 29th, and 25th, respectively, in the NBA. In general, it was their offense that had kept them afloat. But this season, the first-place Nuggets owe their success to the defensive end where they rank fourth in the league.