These Denver Nuggets are starting to show they could be much more than the first-round fodder they always are in the playoffs.

Now, if they can just make it that far.

Allen Iverson scored 29 points despite spraining his right ring finger in the first half and the Nuggets snapped San Antonio’s 11-game winning streak with a 109-96 statement win over the Spurs on Friday night.

“It’s just because our backs are against the wall,” Iverson said after Denver’s second big win over a nemesis (Phoenix) in 48 hours. “We understand that every night we have to come in here and play hard and play together and not take any possessions off. We know how serious it is in the West, and if we don’t get our act together it’s going to be a chance we’re not going to be in the playoffs.

“And with our roster … there’s no way we shouldn’t be in the playoffs.”

Can you imagine? With two All-Star starters in Iverson and Carmelo Anthony and the reigning defensive player of the year in Marcus Camby?