Coming into tonight's home game against Cleveland (9 ET, NBA TV), the Nuggets are riding a three-game winning streak and have increased their record to 10-6 overall. Compare this to last season when Denver was 5-11 through its first 16 games and didn't win its 10th game until Jan. 17, and it's clear that the Nuggets have to be considered one of the league's most improved teams.

So why the drastic turnaround? Well, besides the solid job done by second-year coach Jeff Bzdelik, there are six newcomers who deserve most of the credit. From a couple of rooks to a quartet of underrated guards, take a closer look at what has led to the reversal of fortune in the Mile-High City.


Carmelo Anthony
The West's got milk? Rookie of the Month has been everything Denver hoped. Armed with a solid inside-outside game, 'Melo is the Nuggets' first option on offense and gives them a go-to scorer when they need a basket. As for tonight's rematch with LeBron? "It's just another game now," Anthony told the Denver Post. "During the first game, we got a lot out of the way."
Round One: Watch a mic-ed 'Melo take on LeBron and the Cavs


Jon Barry
Veteran combo guard has emerged as one of the game's most valuable subs. Barry (7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.56 steals, .442 3P%) has shown that he can be everything from a scorer (20 points against Dallas) to an all-around contributor (10 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five steals in win over Bucks).


Earl Boykins
Everyone's favorite five-footer has emerged as far more than just a novelty act. Along with some impressive stats (12.9 points, 3.7 assists, .414 3P%), Boykins has led Denver in scoring three times, and has no problem shouldering the offensive load when his teammates go cold. Not bad for an undrafted 5-5 guard out of Eastern Michigan.


Francisco Elson
Denver's own dunkin' Dutchman took the long road to the NBA, but after spending four seasons in Spain, this 27-year-old has emerged as one of the league's top rookie big men. Lanky seven-footer plays to his strengths -- defense and rebounding -- but has also shown a deft shooting touch (.500 FG%, .833 FT%).


Voshon Lenard
After having some trouble finding his role in the offense, this sharpshooter went on a tear that netted him Player of the Week honors. Underrated gunner has averaged 18.8 points (on .438 three-point shooting) over his last six games, and it's no coincidence that Denver has gone 5-1 over that stretch.


Andre Miller
Somewhat overlooked when it comes to Denver's turnaround, this highly sought-after free agent has been the steadying influence the Nuggets needed. Miller, a tremendous all-around point guard (15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.69 steals), is on a mini tear of his own, averaging 16.8 points and 6.8 assists over Denver's last six games.


(Photo credits: Carmelo Anthony by Lisa Blumenfeld/NBAE/Getty Images; Jon Barry by Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images; Earl Boykins by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images; Francisco Elson by Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty Images; Voshon Lenard and Andre Miller by Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images)