The Nuggets showed grit in their 121-119 comeback victory over the Raptors, despite being far from their peak form. Down most of the game, they mounted a late rally that energized the Ball Arena crowd and led to a thrilling finish. Nikola Jokic was at the center of it all, delivering yet another impressive triple-double with 28 points, 14 assists, and 14 rebounds.
Denver was missing key players, with Jamal Murray sidelined in concussion protocol for the second consecutive game and Aaron Gordon exiting early in the first quarter due to a calf strain. These absences forced the Nuggets to rely on depth and clutch plays from other players. Julian Strawther’s fastbreak layup in the final minute, followed by a free throw, ultimately secured the win for Denver. Christian Braun’s 3-pointer off an assist from Michael Porter Jr. also ignited the comeback and brought the Nuggets within striking distance.
Jokic kept Denver competitive during the third quarter when Toronto looked ready to pull away, scoring 11 points and helping to maintain a manageable deficit. The defense stepped up in the final moments, with Michael Westbrook contesting R.J. Barrett’s last-second 3-point attempt, which rattled out, sealing Denver’s victory.
The Nuggets showcased resilience in their second comeback win over the Raptors this season, having already pulled off a thrilling 127-125 overtime victory in Toronto earlier. That previous win was driven by Jamal Murray’s leadership and a late 13-3 run that pushed the game into OT. This time, however, it was Jokic who led Denver’s comeback, finishing with a triple-double that anchored the team in Murray’s absence.
The game started out rocky for Denver. Despite a strong opening from Jokic, who facilitated early offense with three assists and a powerful dunk, the Nuggets quickly lost momentum. They committed seven turnovers in under eight minutes, allowing Toronto to build a 29-22 lead. By the end of the first quarter, Denver trailed 37-34, and the Raptors had turned those turnovers into 12 points.
The Raptors maintained their advantage at halftime, leading 64-59. Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting helped keep the Nuggets within reach, as he put up 12 points and sank three of six from beyond the arc. The game remained close, but Denver’s persistence—and a pivotal play by Christian Braun late in the game—sparked their rally.
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