The Denver Nuggets edged the Toronto Raptors 112-108 on Monday, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Christian Braun topped the Nuggets with 19 points on perfect 8-for-8 shooting.
Denver built a 34-26 lead after the first quarter. The Nuggets held a 64-56 halftime advantage behind Jamal Murray’s 17 points.
Nikola Jokic added 17 points on 5-for-5 shooting, six rebounds and five assists for the visitors. Bruce Brown contributed seven points, four rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Toronto rallied in the third quarter to trail 94-88 entering the fourth. The Raptors cut the deficit to two late on a layup by Jamison Battle.
Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 19 points to lead Toronto. Sandro Mamukelashvili added 15 points and six rebounds from the bench.
Jamal Shead tallied 11 points and five assists for the hosts. Scottie Barnes dished five assists but managed just one point.
Denver shot 56.7% from the field and 37.9% from three. The Nuggets scored 46 points in the paint.
Toronto connected on 41.2% of attempts overall. The Raptors outscored Denver 25-14 in fast-break points.
Braun drained three threes in the first half to spark the Nuggets. Jokic’s free throws in the third extended the lead to 10.
Ingram hit a tip-in to pull Toronto within one midway through the third. Murray’s step-back three pushed Denver’s edge back to eight.
The fourth quarter featured 11 lead changes. Denver’s bench outscored Toronto’s 37-32 in the period.
Shead nailed a three to tie the game at 94 with under three minutes left. Jokic’s driving layup regained the lead for good.
Toronto forced 31 turnovers from the Nuggets. The Raptors committed 11 themselves.
Denver grabbed 48 rebounds to Toronto’s 38. The Nuggets converted 25 of 35 free throws.
Braun finished with two assists and two steals. Murray added four rebounds.
Ingram grabbed one rebound with two assists. Barrett pulled down four boards.
Toronto’s reserves tallied 44 points. Denver’s depth proved decisive in the close finish.
