The Denver Nuggets leaned on late-game execution Saturday night, pulling away from the Washington Wizards for a 121-115 victory at Ball Arena.
Jamal Murray delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, scoring 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting while taking control in the final minutes.
With the score tied at 110, Murray drilled a three-pointer with 2:12 remaining, giving Denver a lead it would not relinquish.
He followed with a pull-up jumper and two free throws, closing the game on a personal 7-0 run that pushed the margin to 117-110.
Murray scored 16 of his points in the fourth quarter, finishing the night with five three-pointers and seven made free throws.
Denver earned the win despite continuing to play without Nikola Jokic, who remains sidelined with a left knee bone bruise.
The Nuggets have adapted well without their center, winning their fourth straight game and six of their last seven overall.
Tim Hardaway Jr. provided a major boost off the bench, pouring in a season-high 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
Peyton Watson added 21 points and brought energy on both ends as Denver maintained its balance throughout the rotation.
The Wizards kept pressure on Denver for most of the night, led by strong perimeter shooting and aggressive drives.
Kyshawn George paced Washington with 29 points, continuing his strong stretch during the road trip.
Khris Middleton and Alex Sarr scored 16 points apiece as the Wizards built a narrow lead entering the fourth quarter.
Washington led 63-62 at halftime and carried an 86-83 advantage into the final period after controlling the tempo in the third.
Denver responded with improved defensive pressure and timely shot-making, finishing the game shooting 53 percent from the floor.
The Nuggets connected on 14 three-pointers, edging the Wizards from long range while also winning the assist battle.
Washington dropped its sixth consecutive game, including all four contests on its current road trip.
The loss pushed the Wizards to 10-30 as they struggled to close games late despite competitive stretches.
Denver improved to 28-13 and remained firmly in the race near the top of the Western Conference standings.
The Nuggets will host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night as they look to extend their winning streak.
Washington returns home Monday to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the opener of a new homestand.
