Now that he has approached the hiatus …

Now that he has approached the hiatus with that same kind of mentality, studying ways to further understand his body and maximize what he can do, Millsap figures to be a major X-factor in Denver’s playoff run should one occur. With access to his own gym, leaning on a workout plan he created and used to spark the season’s early splash — he averaged 13.9 points through Denver’s first 18 games on 49.1/50/88.2 percent shooting splits — it will be fascinating to see whether Millsap can spring into the postseason with a similar energy level. The advanced data is clear: The Nuggets have been at their best over the past three seasons, on both ends of the floor, when Millsap is on the court and healthy. He could very well set the tone for how Denver approaches an unprecedented postseason tournament.