Denver Nuggets escape with close victory over Toronto Raptors – NBA Recap
The Denver Nuggets survived a last quarter scare to defeat the Toronto Raptors 113-110 here on Monday night at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets led for much of the first three periods, but the Raptors came back strongly in the final period and outscored the home team 35-24. Denver, however, held on for the close victory in the end. Corey Brewer came off the bench to score 19 points for the Nuggets, where as Kenneth Faried scored 18 points and 10 rebounds for the night. JaVale McGee also had 17 points and 6 rebounds coming off the bench for the Nuggets. Kyle Lowry scored a team high 24 points and 7 assists for the Raptors, where as Andrea Bargnani finished with 23 points for the night.
Both teams started off well from the field, but Denver quickly took an 11-7 lead with a three pointer by Ty Lawson. Toronto stayed on the tail of the Nuggets, and later extended their lead to 22-19 through five straight points by DeMar DeRozan. The Nuggets, however, ended the period on a convincing 10-2 run that shifted the momentum of the game and gave them a 29-24 lead heading into the second period.
The Nuggets continued their attacking play and fast offence in the second period and opened with another 9-2 run that gave them a 38-26 lead. A driving dunk by Kosta Koufos later in the period put them up 47-32 as they seemed to be cruising. Six straight points by Jordan Hamilton then had the Nuggets with a convincing 53-34 lead as the Raptors were unable to stop their fast paced transition offence. The Raptors came back at the end of the period to cut the Nuggets lead to 61-44 heading into the half time break, being outscored 32-20 in the second period.
The Raptors picked up their offence in the third period and a three pointer by Bargnani had them trailing 58-69. Denver, however, refused to slow down and back to back three pointers by Danilo Gallinari gave them an 81-64 lead. The Nuggets led 89-75 at the close of the third period.
Denver played well to start the final period and looked to be on their way to a convincing victory after Faried scored two free throws to put them up 99-84 with 7:13 left in regulation. However, the Raptors fought back through an 11-0 run that had the lead down to 103-97. A three pointer by Terrence Ross followed by two free throws by Lowry had the Raptors down 104-105, and completed their comeback. Denver managed to stay in front through a three pointer by Lawson, but back to back three pointers by Lowry and Amir Johnson had the Raptors trailing 110-112 with 7.9 seconds left. Kenneth Faried was fouled on the next possession and made one of two free throws to give the Nuggets a three point lead with 5.8 seconds left. DeRozan missed the game tying three point attempt for the Raptors, and Denver got away with a 113-110 victory.
The Nuggets shot better than the Raptors from three point range, but were only 27-43 from the foul line. They also outscored the Raptors 53-37 in rebounds, which proved to be the deciding factor between the two teams.
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