ATLANTA — Rarely have these Nuggets faced the specific form of adversity they encountered Friday night, when the Hawks threatened to run them out of the gym.

Yosemite Sam is a puddy tat compared to Yosemite Stan.

Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen and wide receiver Pat Bryant were each cleared to play Sunday against Las Vegas after they missed practice time during the week due to injuries.

The reps are so infrequent, and happen so quickly, that Kris Abrams-Draine didn’t even realize a member of his own cornerback room strapped up a set of boxing gloves in practice.

The Nuggets are this close to being closer to a tier with Oklahoma City. But they’re coming up short in clutch situations.

Jared Bednar did not hold back Thursday night.