Nikola Jokic scored 28 points and had 15 rebounds. Jeff Green had 19 points, Aaron Gordon had 13, and Jeff Green had 19. The Nuggets won their third consecutive game in four.
Hyland scored 11 points, and Will Barton scored 10.
Pascal Siakam had a season-high 35 point total and 10 rebounds. However, the Raptors lost their first game since Jan. 26 in Chicago. Fred VanVleet had 25 points, Scottie Barney had 17, and Gary Trent Jr. 11.
Barnes scored to tie it at 103 with 2:33 remaining, but the Nuggets scored seven out of the next ten points. They led 110-106 with Barton’s basket with 28 second left.
VanVleet reduced it to 110-109 after a 3 with 22 seconds left. With 12.2 seconds remaining, Toronto was awarded possession after Jokic was fouled, but missed both of his free throws.
VanVleet missed a 3 and Jokic saved the win by blocking OG Anunoby from scoring a shot.
Denver led 31-25 at the start of the quarter with Jokic scoring 18 points. Siakam responded with 13 points in the second quarter, four of which were scored during a 13-0 Toronto run. The Raptors led 57 to 56 at halftime.
Siakam scored nine in the third, while VanVleet had 8. This tiebreaking 3-pointer was made with 27 seconds remaining, and Toronto led 86-83 to the fourth.
FANS RETURN
For the fourth consecutive game, the Raptors faced a small crowd of 300 fans. Public health restrictions in Ontario will allow for 50 percent capacity at sporting events by the Raptors’ next home game against Brooklyn on March 1. Another increase in capacity may be possible before March ends.
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring) was not available. G Monte Morris (concussion protocol), missed his second consecutive game.
Raptors: Siakam had seven assists. After sitting out Houston’s win, VanVleet was able to return due to a sore left leg. F Thad Young was still active, but he did not play. Young was acquired by Toronto from San Antonio on Thursday.
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Host Orlando on Monday night.
Raptors: Monday Night in New Orleans
