The Denver Nuggets (12-9) pulled out a thriller in the last seconds, holding off the Chicago Bulls (3-17), 111-110 on Thursday night at Pepsi Center.
Will Barton poured in a new career-high 37 points including six points in the last 45 seconds and capped off his evening with a game-winner. Barton converted a late trademark layup following a bucket on the other end by Chicago’s Kris Dunn that would seal the victory for Denver.
Will Barton. Clutch. #Nuggets win 111-110 pic.twitter.com/SmEr02sZvy
— Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP) December 1, 2017
After starting off the game lifeless on both ends of the floor, the Nuggets managed to get a spark when Barton entered the game. He hit two quick three’s to help bring some sort of energy back the squad.
Denver was sputtering near the end of the first half when tragedy befell the Nuggets bench. With under two minutes to play in the second quarter, star center Nikola Jokic appeared to roll his left ankle while driving to the basket. After staying in the game to shoot his free throws, Jokic was forced to miss the remainder of the game.
Jokic left the floor and went straight to the X-Ray machine. Luckily, initial tests came back negative with the team listing the injury as a left ankle sprain. He was seen leaving the X-ray room with no shoe, in pain with a noticeable limp. There is no timetable for a return at this point in time.
After Jokic departed, Gary Harris took over alongside Barton to help push Denver to the finish line. Harris was sharp on both ends of the floor as he logged three steals and two blocks to pair with his 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Harris and Barton combined for 58 of Denver’s 111 points, including 29 in the second half.
Starting power forward Kenneth Faried also had an impactful game for the Nuggets as he continues to supplant the role formerly occupied by Paul Millsap. Faried notched a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Trey Lyles also chipped in with 10 points off the bench as Denver searched for options in the absence of their starting front court.
Denver has nine of their next 12 games on the road, yet have won their last seven games at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets now shift their attention to the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm MST on Saturday, December 2nd.
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