The Toronto Raptors were shorthanded in Denver and nearly pulled off the big upset over the defending champions.
The Nuggets had to turn it up a notch in the second half to beat the Raptors 125-119.
The Raptors were missing 4 starters in this game as Immanuel Quickley, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl were all out.
Additionally, the Raptors were missing DJ Carton and Chris Boucher who is out with a partial MCL tear that he suffered against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Even though the Raptors were undermanned they took it to the Nuggets. RJ Barrett who returned to the starting lineup following an illness had 26 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds.
Barrett has now scored 20 or more points with the Raptors 18 times since the trade.
Gradey Dick who got another start in this one had a nice all-around game. He put up 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds.
Kelly Olynyk who had the toughest assignment of the night trying to guard Nikola Jokic, had his best game as a Raptor. He had 24 points, 6 rebounds and hit two threes.
Jontay Porter who shared the floor with his brother Michael Porter Jr. scored a career-high 14 points and Bruce Brown Jr. who helped Denver win a title last season had 13.
Toronto led by 17 at halftime and their largest lead was 22. However, the defending champions came roaring back. They outscored the Raptors 74-51 in the second half to pull out the win.
Toronto scored just 21 points in the fourth and missed all four of their three-point attempts.
Jokic put up a monstrous statline of 35 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and 6 steals. Also, Jamal Murray was big down the stretch as he finished with 27 points and 12 assists.
The Nuggets improve to 9-1 since the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Raptors have lost 4 in a row and 6 of their last 7 games.
Next on tap
The Raptors’ four-game road trip will conclude on March 13 against the Detroit Pistons.
The Raptors have lost every game on the road trip so far but they have been extremely competitive.
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