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.
