With 21 games now under their belt, the Denver Nuggets have a lot riding on Tuesday’s matchup with the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Not only are the 8-13 Nuggets looking to extend a two-game winning streak, they have a chance to move back into playoff contention in the Western Conference with a win. But most importantly, perhaps, the Nuggets (and their fans) have a chance to deliver a joy-filled holiday season for kids in need.
From 6 p.m. until the midway point of the first quarter, the US Marine Corps and the Denver Nuggets will be accepting donations for their annual Toys for Tots campaign. Marine Corps representatives in uniform will accept new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations to help provide new toys to children in need this year.
The Nuggets are coming off back-to-back win against the Raptors and 76ers, both road contests that ended in dramatic fashion.
First in Toronto, Denver built up a 56-42 lead at the half, but had to fend off second-half push led by DeMar DeRozen who scored a Raptors’ season-high 34 points. Denver never trailed in the game, and snapped an eight-game losing streak in the process, but they hung on to win by just one point after a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Raptors. Denver was a perfect 18-for-18 from the free throw line to help secure the win.
Two nights later, Denver had to battle back from behind against the 76ers, who were looking for just their second win on the season. Trailing by nine at the end of the third quarter, Denver outscored Philadelphia 31-20 in the fourth quarter to escape with a 108-105 win. Danilo Gallinari led all scorers with 24 points and had the go-ahead slam dunk to put Denver up for good.
The Nuggets face an 11-9 Magic squad that had won five consecutive games before dropping their last contest. Orlando nearly beat Blake Griffin and the Clippers on their home court, falling 105-103 on Saturday.
Former Nuggets guard and first-round draft pick Evan Fournier will be looking for his first win against his former team. Last year, Fournier’s first with the Magic, Denver beat Orlando in both meetings.
Denver currently sits tied for 11th in the Western Conference, but a win would move them closer to the Houston who currently holds the No. 8 spot with a 10-11 record.
Competing for a playoff spot would be a gift to fans this season, considering most experts picked Denver to finish last in the west this year. But before the Nuggets can deliver on that gift, they need the help of their fans on Tuesday night to deliver gifts for Denver-area kids in need.
Fans who can’t attend Tuesday, but wish to donate to Toys for Tots or volunteer can do so HERE.
