Nuggets 121-119 Raptors (November 4, 2024) Game Recap

DENVER – Russell Westbrook scored 21 points on the final play of the game and played stifling defense, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors 121-119 on Monday night.

Nikola Jokic had 28 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists for his third triple-double in four games for Denver, which played without Jamal Murray (concussion protocol) and lost Aaron Gordon to a right calf strain in the first quarter.

The Nuggets trailed 109-98 with 5:45 left, but rallied to take a 118-117 lead on a three-pointer from Peyton Watson. The teams traded baskets and Julian Strawther shared two free throws with 12 seconds left.

That gave Toronto a chance, but on the final play Westbrook beat RJ Barrett, whose 26-foot game-winning throw fell short at the horn.

Barrett finished with 18 points, while Grady Dick scored 26 and Jakob Poeltl 24 points.

Takeaways

Raptors: Help could arrive sooner than expected. According to coach Darko Rajakovic, striker Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture) does not require surgery at this time. Barnes hasn't played since the home loss to Denver on Oct. 28

Nuggets: The injuries have added pressure on the bench to advance. Swather has played well in recent games and Hunter Tyson is making the most of his opportunity.

Key moment

Toronto led by six points before Poeltl picked up his fifth and sixth fouls in a 23-second span. The Nuggets outscored the Raptors 14-8 after Poeltl fouled out.

Key statistics

Jokic posted three triple-doubles in the last four games and missed a fourth with a rebound on Friday night against Minnesota. He also had seven turnovers against Toronto.

Next

The Raptors travel to Sacramento on Wednesday night while the Nuggets host Oklahoma City for the second time in two weeks.

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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL