OMAHA — The Wednesday morning session of Nuggets training camp was an expected grind, given the team was put through two practices on Tuesday, the first day of camp.

But, said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, Wednesday morning’s session was played at a higher level than the Tuesday night session.

“It went well, practice No. 3,” Malone said. “So we didn’t go very long, anticipating tonight’s practice will go back to a contact practice, get a lot of live, up-and-down, competitive drills, which I look forward to, I think those are the best.”

Forward Darrell Arthur worked on the side as he continues to rehab his left knee. All other players participated.

“I think the guys understood last night we took a little dip,” Malone said. “But they responded well in practice No. 3, and we’ll have to come back tonight and have an even better practice.”

Malone said all the players vying for the last spot on the roster have “looked good.”

“Not one guy has stood out more than the other,” Malone said. There are six players competing for that spot – D.J. Kennedy, Jarnell Stokes, Robbie Hummel, Nate Wolters, Axel Toupane and JaKarr Sampson.

Coaches both from Creighton and North Dakota were in attendance.

“If they want to come in and watch practice and try and pick some things up, I think it’s only right to open it up and allow guys to come in,” Malone said. “Guys from North Dakota, who (assistant coach) Ryan Bowen knows, drove eight hours down. If you drive eight hours, season starts in five days, yes, come on down and if there is something we’re doing that you can use for your team, we’re all caretakers of the game. I get stuff from coaches all the time. So it’s only right.”

After practice, the Nuggets sang happy birthday and presented a cake to rookie forward Juancho Hernangomez, who turned 21 and prompted Malone to joke, “I just hope I don’t see him at the liquor store bringing back a case of beer to the hotel.”