DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 37 factors, Jamal Murray scored 21 of his 34 factors in a decisive third interval and the Denver Nuggets survived Detroit’s fourth-quarter rally to beat the Pistons 134-121 on Saturday evening.
Michael Porter Jr. completed with 26 factors for Denver, which used an 18-4 run to take the lead for good at halftime, then opened a 25-point lead heading into the fourth. Murray scored 12 factors within the ultimate 2:27 of the interval to offer him his first 30-point sport of the season.
Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey scored 17 factors every to guide Detroit.
With the starters on the bench within the fourth quarter, the Pistons minimize their deficit from 25 factors to 10 and compelled Denver coach Michael Malone to place his starters again on. Ronald Holland’s 3-pointer made it 128-121 with 2:35 left, however Jokic closed the sport with six straight factors.
Takeaways
Pistons: It was a tricky finish to a highway journey however it’s onerous to be upset with this four-game set. Detroit beat Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento to begin the journey earlier than dropping to a motivated Denver group.
Nuggets: They tightened up their protection after permitting 149 factors to Cleveland on Friday evening. The Cavaliers had 80 factors at halftime however Denver held the Pistons to 61 on the break.
Key second
Russell Westbrook was booked for an offensive foul with 4:44 left within the third quarter, however instantly drew a sport on Cunningham on the within play. The play energized the Nuggets, who completed the quarter on a 22-8 run.
Key statistic
Denver is now 6-0 within the second sport of a row and 2-4 up entrance.
To be continued
The Pistons open a four-game homestand towards Orlando on Wednesday evening whereas the Nuggets journey to Utah on Monday evening.
— By MICHAEL KELLY, Related Press
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