The Denver Nuggets have confirmed that they have fired head coach Brian Shaw as a result of the club's poor form this season.

The Nuggets have lost their last six matches and have dropped to third-bottom in the Western Conference with a 20-39 record, which resulted in Shaw's dismissal in just his second season with the franchise.

"I want to sincerely thank Brian for his time with our organisation," general manager Tim Connelly said in a statement.

"You won't find a better guy than Brian and he is one of the brightest basketball minds I've ever been around. Unfortunately things didn't go as we hoped, but we know with his basketball acumen that he has a very bright future ahead of him."

Team president Josh Kroenke added: "This has been a trying season for all of us. And we appreciate Nuggets fans continued faith and patience as we build our proud organisation back to the NBA's elite."

Assistant coach Melvin Hunt has been handed charge of the team on an interim basis.