The Denver Nuggets took the lead over the defending world champion Cleveland Cavaliers with 10:42 remaining in the second quarter on Wednesday night and never looked back. Spurred by a 73-point first half, Denver would cruise to a 126-113 victory over LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers.
Wilson Chandler had 18 points and played staunch defense on James, who had 18 points of his own but was an astounding minus-30 on the night. It was Chandler’s first game action in 11 days since suffering a groin injury. Kenneth Faried scored 17 points in 19 minutes off the bench and was an important factor in quelling several runs by Cleveland to keep the game within reach in the second half. But hot shooting from Will Barton (20 points) and Gary Harris (21) paced Denver to an emphatic victory that keeps them 1.5 games ahead of Portland for the final playoff spot in the west.
Nikola Jokic recorded his 32nd double-double of the season, going toe-to-to with James for a highlight reel post up move that earned high praise from his coach postgame. Denver was unselfish with the ball all night, racking up 35 team assists, and dominant on the interior, scoring 70 points in the paint. Denver was also perfect from the free throw line, converting all 13 attempts on the night.
With the win, Denver moves to 34-37 on the season with 11 games remaining. If the Nuggets are to make the playoffs, though, they’ll have to do it by winning on the road. Denver has just three home games left on the schedule and face a five-game road trip from March 28 through April 5. Five of their last 11 are against teams currently in the playoff picture.