Nuggets coach Brian Shaw goes back to basics on defense in an effort to end 6-game skid

Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson (3) drives around Minnesota Timberwolves' J.J. Barea (11) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 3, 2014, in Denver. The Timberwolves won 132-128. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez) (The Associated Press)

Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson stands with his teammates for the National Anthem as he makes his return after a nine game break before an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday, March 3, 2014, in Denver. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Brian Shaw found himself in a downright defensive mood at practice.

So for nearly two hours Tuesday, the first-year Denver Nuggets coach had his team work on nothing but defense and defense and more defense.

A training camp style of practice as Shaw described it. Anything to get the Nuggets going again.

Because these days, very little seems to be working. Even the return of point guard Ty Lawson on Monday against Minnesota couldn't snap the Nuggets out of their funk. They've now dropped six in a row and 11 of their last 12.