Brian Shaw relieved to record first victory

Brian Shaw has admitted that he was relieved to record his first victory as Denver Nuggets head coach on Thursday night.

The Nuggets were forced to hold off a late fightback from the Atlanta Hawks in the 109-107 triumph and Shaw claims that every win will be difficult to secure this season.

"I feel relieved to finally get it," the 47-year-old told reporters. "It wasn't easy.

"Nothing is going to be easy with this team, every night it's going to be a dog fight.

"We almost did everything in our power to not win it."

Shaw joined the Nuggets in the summer following a spell as assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers.