Denver's Jamal Murray delivered a clutch performance with 12 fourth-quarter points as part of his 31-point night to help the Nuggets overcome a nine-point deficit. The comeback victory extended Denver's winning streak against Toronto to six games and moved them into fifth place in the Western Conference.
Denver guard Jamal Murray delivered when it mattered most, pouring in a dozen fourth-quarter points as part of his game-high 31-point performance to lead the Nuggets past Toronto 121-115 in a thrilling comeback victory Friday evening at home.
The win moved Denver (43-28) into fifth place in the Western Conference standings, marking their sixth consecutive victory over the Raptors and fourth win in their last six contests overall.
Star center Nikola Jokic contributed a well-rounded effort with 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. caught fire from beyond the arc, connecting on seven of ten three-point attempts for 23 points. Aaron Gordon added 16 points for the Nuggets, with Bruce Brown chipping in 12 and Christian Braun contributing 11.
Toronto (39-30) received strong performances from Jakob Poeltl, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points and RJ Barrett scored 18. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each finished with 15 points, and Ja’Kobe Walter added 14 for the Raptors, whose three-game winning streak came to an end while remaining in fifth place in the Western Conference.
Facing a nine-point deficit entering the final period, Denver stormed back with a 13-2 surge to open the fourth quarter, taking a 98-96 advantage before Quickley answered with five consecutive points for Toronto. The Nuggets then seized control with a decisive 9-0 run, featuring two three-pointers from Hardaway and another from Gordon, establishing a 107-101 lead with five minutes remaining.
The Raptors battled back as Ingram connected on a jumper and a three-pointer to trim their deficit to just one point, setting up a dramatic finish.
With 1:45 left on the clock, Gordon converted a layup while being fouled but missed the ensuing free throw. However, Jokic secured the offensive rebound and was fouled himself, sinking both attempts to extend Denver’s advantage to 115-110.
The tension continued as Barnes scored on a putback, Murray missed a jumper, and Poeltl completed a three-point play to knot the score at 115 with 59.6 seconds remaining.
In the closing moments, Jokic hit a crucial 10-foot jumper, Gordon blocked Barnes’ shot attempt, and Murray sealed the victory by making two free throws with 12.3 seconds left for a four-point cushion. Jokic fouled Poeltl on the other end, but the Toronto center missed both free throw attempts before Gordon added one final free throw to close out the win.
Toronto had built momentum in the third quarter, making all 15 of their two-point field goal attempts while outscoring Denver 41-28 in the period. The Raptors led by as many as 11 points late in the third quarter before the Nuggets cut the deficit to five, though Toronto finished the period strong to take a 94-85 lead into the final frame.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Restructured Hezbollah After 2024 Defeats
Colorado Avalanche Become First NHL Team to Secure Playoff Spot This Season
Romanian Fashion Show Features Models with Down Syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day