What a difference a day makes.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s bounce-back, 141-111, win Sunday in Atlanta.

1. What a couple of days for Nikola Jokic. Even though his career-high 56 points wasn’t enough to win Saturday in Washington, Jokic showed up again Sunday, posting 48 points on 17 of 29 shooting with 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. He could’ve scored 50 for a second consecutive game, but Michael Malone pulled his regular rotation players for the final few minutes. Over the back-to-back, Jokic totaled 104 points, 30 rebounds, 16 assists and four steals against eight turnovers, while shooting better than 50% from the field and 3-point range in 74 combined minutes of playing time. Remember when people criticized Jokic’s conditioning? The last two days should end that conversation forever.

2. Denver’s day-to-day improvement was most obvious when it came to guarding the opponents’ best guard. Saturday, Jordan Poole hit nine 3-pointers and scored 39 points against some shoddy defense. Sunday, Trae Young, didn’t make his first shot from the field until the final few minutes of the third quarter. Atlanta’s three-time All-Star got going a little later but still needed 13 shots to score 15 points. He went 2 of 7 from 3-point range. The Nuggets turned him into a facilitator and managed to force Young into four turnovers that took away from his 10 assists. Credit Christian Braun, Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson and even Jalen Pickett for the defensive work.

3. What the Nuggets needed after Saturday’s disaster was a game most everyone can feel good about. That was the case Sunday. Michael Porter Jr. made scoring 26 points and grabbing seven rebounds look easy, making 12 of his 17 shots. Christian Braun posted a complete line with 17 points on 11 shots, including a 2-for-2 mark from 3-point range, and added eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Russell Westbrook continued to look like a natural playing alongside Jokic. The only two shots Westbrook missed came from 3-point range, and he dished out 11 assists. Julian Strawther had another efficient night, missing just one of his shots and leading Denver’s reserves with 13 points. Peyton Watson made a couple of nice defensive plays. Pickett looked more comfortable than ever in his short career, while late buckets from PJ Hall, Zeke Nnaji and Trey Alexander ensured that all 13 Nuggets who played scored. That’s the kind of performance that could help the Nuggets flush Saturday’s stinker.

NUGGETS 141, HAWKS 111

What happened: The Nuggets led by 15 after the first quarter, extended the lead to 71-48 at halftime and led by 30 in the third quarter. Michael Malone got to empty the bench for the final few minutes, as Denver improved to 12-10 and ended Atlanta’s six-game win streak.

What went right: The 3-point line finally flipped in Denver’s favor. After being on the wrong side of the equation to start the road trip, Denver with 12 for 27 (44.4%). Atlanta finished 9 for 40 (22.5%).

What went wrong: Denver’s strong start on the defensive end would’ve been even more impressive with a little more muscle on the defensive glass. Atlanta grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in the first half, leading to 13 points. Atlanta finished with 19 offensive rebounds for 29 second-chance points.

Highlight of the night: The Joker made it look easy just before halftime. After Larry Nance Jr.’s dunk with four seconds to go, Jokic advanced the ball a step into the front court and pulled up for 3. It hit nothing but net to cap a 25-point first half for Jokic.

Up next: The Nuggets are off until Friday’s game against the Clippers in Denver.