Brewer produces big in return to lineup

The Nuggets got forward Corey Brewer back Saturday at Indiana. And he paid big dividends.

Brewer had missed three games due to the death of his father. He returned Saturday and had 19 points in Denver's 113-109 win.

It was a much-needed victory for the Nuggets. They had dropped five straight games.

Last Monday against Houston, the same day Brewer missed his first game during the stretch, the Nuggets lost forward Danilo Gallinari for about a month with a sprained ankle. Nuggets coach George Karl had been wanting to insert Brewer in the starting lineup as Gallinari's replacement, and his first chance was Saturday.

In 34 minutes, Brewer shot 8-of-16. He also grabbed five rebounds, had two steals, and played solid defense.

"His energy was amazing," Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo said of Brewer. "I think he's the reason we won (Saturday). We fed off him all night long. This was a great game for him and a good game for us."

The Nuggets next play at home Tuesday against Phoenix. Count on Brewer again being in the starting lineup.

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