In a nail-biting showdown, Reggie Jackson and Aaron Gordon spearheaded the Denver Nuggets’ (50-21) narrow 114-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers (19-52) on Saturday night, in the absence of key stars.
Jackson delivered scored team-high 23 points, while Gordon dominated with 22 points and 12 rebounds, guiding the Nuggets to their eighth win in the last nine games.
Christian Braun provided support off the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Michael Porter Jr. was close to a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Despite Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, held off a spirited effort from the Trail Blazers, who started five rookies in a rare lineup configuration.
Portland’s young talent, led by rookie Duop Reath’s 24 points and Scoot Henderson’s 22 points and six assists, put up a valiant fight, but ultimately succumbed to their sixth straight defeat.
Another rookie, Toumani Camara, recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Jabari Walker added 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
In the final minutes, Jackson and Gordon delivered crucial baskets to fend off Portland’s late surge and secure the hard-fought victory.
