Nuggets get Barton back after 3-week absence

The Denver Nuggets will have Will Barton back in the lineup on Sunday for the first time in nearly three weeks, as the swingman has recovered from a sprained left ankle.

Barton, who was averaging 18 points and five rebounds on 50-57-95 shooting before spraining the ankle Oct. 31 in Toronto, missed Denver's last nine games leading into Sunday's contest against the Northwest division rival Jazz. The Nuggets went 3-6 during that time after starting the season 1-2 with Barton in the lineup.

After emerging as one of the NBA's best reserves and most improved players last season, the 25-year-old earned himself a starting spot in Denver this year.