Nuggets' Will Barton: Shines in return to lineup

Barton (ankle) started at shooting guard and recorded 17 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-5 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one steal across 33 minutes in Friday's 128-110 loss to the Rockets.

Analysis:

Barton missed the first nine games of November with a sprained left ankle and had sat out the past three games after he continued to deal with soreness shortly after returning, but he looked like he was at full strength Friday. Coach Michael Malone immediately inserted him onto the top unit and handed him hefty minutes right off the bat, indicating that Barton should be in line for a sizable role, at least until Gary Harris (foot) returns. The Nuggets could opt to rest him or limit his playing time a bit in the second half of their back-to-back set Saturday against the Jazz, but Barton should be locked in for starter's minutes thereafter.