The Denver Nuggets defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-104 on Wednesday night in the first game of a three-game road trip.

Nikola Jokic had 31 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists on the evening, navigating the length and athleticism of the Raptors defense expertly and hitting shots in the open pockets of space. Jokic dominated the glass, helping Denver win the rebounding battle and reduce one of Toronto’s greater advantages: offensive rebounding. The 31 points from Jokic also gave him a 30-point performance against every single team in the NBA, as Jokic’s previous career high against the Raptors was 29 points.

It also helps when Jokic can make shots like this:

Jamal Murray joined his dynamic duo with 20 points of his own, though it did come on 22 shots. In Murray’s only return to Toronto this season, the Kitchener, Ontario native added six assists, four rebounds, and three stocks, playing strong defense on the perimeter and battling Toronto’s bigger forwards inside. The Raptors continuously attacked Murray in the post with Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, and while those two had success, it limited Toronto’s ability to generate higher value looks throughout the game.

The rest of Denver’s defense was also very good throughout the evening. 104 points allowed is a good number, and Denver’s entire defensive game plan was solid, limiting Toronto at the three-point line, limiting offensive rebounds, and especially limiting free throw attempts. 13 free throw attempts was a season-low for the Raptors, a team that excels at overwhelming the opposition in the paint. Jokic did a great job of altering shots at the rim, while the Nuggets guarded well in isolation and post up situations.

The Nuggets also attempted a season low seven free throws tonight, making just three of their foul shots. The Raptors did a good job of defending without fouling, but the Nuggets made enough floaters, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers to overwhelm the Raptors. Scottie Barnes did his best to keep the game close with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, but it simply wasn’t enough against the Nuggets.

Other notable things that happened tonight:

Peyton Watson continues to impress

The Nuggets have watched their bench grow into a formidable unit over the past couple of weeks. Dating back to the road matchup against the Toronto Raptors, Denver’s bench has shown consistent growth and understanding of how to impact games in a positive way. Chief among the reasons for growth is Peyton Watson’s development. In 18 minutes, the 6’8″ forward had 11 points on 5-of-6 from the field while making his only three-pointer. Watson also added four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, continuing to showcase an improved feel for different situations. Watson stole an interior pass and went coast-to-coast for a left-handed dunk. He also set up Jokic for a three-pointer while creating off the dribble. It’s clear that Jokic and Watson have some chemistry, but maybe that shouldn’t surprise anybody after their big screen debut.

The Nuggets needed growth and development from their bench throughout the regular season in preparation for the playoffs. Watson has shown enough over the first 29 games of the season for Denver to feel comfortable with him as a forward option off the bench. He won’t be perfect, but if he continues to hit outside jumpers, he could alter a playoff game or two.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a welcome return to the rotation

It wasn’t an insane game for KCP, but it was exactly the kind of solid performance the Nuggets missed against the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in the week. Caldwell-Pope had 10 points and three assists on offense, hitting a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter after Jokic created an open look for him.

Adding to the three-point spacing is the clutch defense every single game. The Raptors tried to post and drive against KCP on occasion, and Caldwell-Pope shut that down with great hands as he usually does. Three steals and a block underscore just how impactful he can be on Denver’s perimeter contain, and the Nuggets jumped out to a big first half lead in part to his defensive contributions. At the end, Caldwell-Pope also forced a jump ball on a Dennis Schroder drive.

The Nuggets are in a good spot. They’re road trip begins in Toronto, then heads to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, then a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. It will take discipline for Denver, but if they take care of business, they will suddenly be in a really good situation record wise. Denver’s schedule thus far has been fairly difficult, and they’re finally in an easier stretch. It’s important to take advantage.

Final Rotations