(My Sportsbook) - The Denver Nuggets have realistic expectations during the rebuilding process, but the team isn't about to lay down for any opponent.

Denver is just 1-3 on the season, but the inexperienced squad, which features seven players that are 22 years old or younger, has been competitive in every game so far.

Despite losing by 16 points to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, the Nuggets showed a lot of grit by rallying in the third quarter. Denver used a 19-2 to grab a 70-69 advantage late in the third and the teams were tied heading into the final frame.

However, the comeback took too much out of the Nuggets, as the Hawks totaled 29 points in the fourth quarter and held Denver to just 14.

"We have showed a lot of heart, been very competitive, given a lot of effort, no one can question it," said Nuggets forward Juwan Howard, who made his season debut. "We had a good third quarter, but two bad ones in the first and fourth. We can not win games like that. Good teams play hard and well from start to finish."

Howard, the team's main offensive threat, collected 25 points and 15 rebounds in the loss for Denver. He was suspended for the first two games due to a preseason game fight and missed Saturday's game at Portland with a stomach virus.

In Saturday's contest, the Nuggets were able to post an impressive 96-79 victory over the Trail Blazers for their first win of the season.

James Posey posted his first-career triple-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, and five other Nuggets scored in double figures. Denver trailed by six at halftime, but turned up the energy in the second half, outscoring the Blazers 53-30 in the last 24 minutes on the way to the win.

"To be honest with you, I thought it would be pretty tough to beat Portland, but we have some talented young players," said Jeff Bzdelik, who earned his first win as Denver's coach. "It's been well documented how many players we have 22 and under. But they worked very hard, they were very determined tonight."

"This was a great victory for the Denver Nuggets," said rookie Nene Hilario, who scored 10 points. "We can't let all the talk of our age and our lack of experience weigh us down. We know we are better than that. Whether you are a rookie or a veteran in this game, you have to come to play."

Now let's wait and see if the Nuggets will come to play every night for the last 78 games of the season.

Guard Chris Whitney, who the Nuggets stole from the Wizards in a trade just prior to the season, suffered a sprained ankle with 5:42 remaining in Tuesday's game when Atlanta forward Glenn Robinson landed on his foot. X-rays were negative, but the point guard is expected to miss some time.

"That is a big blow for our team," said Howard, who played with Whitney in Washington. "He is our general out on the court, and he gets us in our sets. He is enthusiastic and our leader on the floor. We will have to try and fill the void until he gets back."