Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Toronto RaptorsOpen full analysis
Denver edged Toronto 106–103 on December 31 at Scotiabank Arena in a defensive struggle that fell short of the Vegas total of 229.5 points. The Nuggets' P. Watson led all scorers with 24 points, while J. Murray added 21, though Denver's 17 assists revealed an offense that relied heavily on isolation play. Toronto's B. Ingram countered with 30 points and I. Quickley contributed 22, but the Raptors shot just 37 percent from the field and made only 12 three-pointers, a far cry from their bench's usual output. Denver's superior efficiency—425 field-goal percentage versus Toronto's 37 percent—proved decisive, as did their 110.5 offensive rating compared to the Raptors' 102.8. The Nuggets dominated the opening half, outscoring Toronto 63–54 through two quarters, then held on despite Toronto's fourth-quarter push. Denver's 10 turnovers versus Toronto's 8 nearly cost them, but their defensive rating of 102.8 limited the Raptors' scoring opportunities down the stretch. The loss drops Toronto further behind in the Eastern Conference playoff race, while Denver solidifies their standing in the West.
