The Denver Nuggets took down the Toronto Raptors, 113-104, on Wednesday night. This was Denver’s third straight road win. They’re now 8-8 away from Ball Arena and 19-10 overall. The Nuggets now face the Brooklyn Nets, who are currently on a four-game skid, and the Charlotte Hornets on the road before heading home to play the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

“I think we did a good job of handling business,” said Jamal Murray. “Taking away what they do really well, which is get on the break and run, and we were able to knock enough shots down to win the game. So, I think we’re in a good spot.”

All five starters finished in double figures. The Nuggets, as a team, shot 50 percent from the field.

Nikola Jokić had a terrific game with 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. This was Jokić’s 400th career double-double.

“That’s probably what I marvel most at from Nikola. Aside from the consistency, how great he is every night, it’s just his ability to read the defense, see the defense, and make everyone around him better,” said Malone.

Jamal Murray, born in Kitchener, Canada, turned in 20 points in his homecoming.

“Just the whole experience from takeoff to landing… Playing in a familiar gym that I played in growing up,” said Murray. “It’s good to come here and try to put on a show in front of my friends and family. So, it’s a blessing to be in this position.”

Peyton Watson also pitched in 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting off the bench.

“Peyton’s been outstanding,” said Malone. “Him getting out in transition, attacking the basket, not settling, the defense, his three-point shooting. You look at this young player who’s literally growing up in front of her eyes and making the most of every opportunity that’s given to him.”

Scottie Barnes led the charge for Toronto with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

“Scottie Barnes is a hell of a player,” said Malone. “He was just putting his head down, putting a lot of pressure on our defense in transition.”

Outside of Barnes, Toronto struggled to score. The Raptors entered the night with the third-worst three-point percentage in the NBA and shot 33.3 percent from deep against Denver.

Toronto went 1-of-8 on threes in the first quarter. Denver, meanwhile, was effective from the field and went 13-of-24 overall. This gave the Nuggets a 29-20 lead after the first twelve minutes.

Denver’s reserves—Reggie Jackson, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji—checked in and were immediately disruptive. The Nuggets did an effective job of clogging driving lanes and sending help on post-ups, and it resulted in 7 Raptor turnovers. Denver recorded 7 steals and 4 blocks to generate 12 fastbreak points in the second quarter alone. Denver entered halftime with a 61-44 lead.

The Raptors outscored the Nuggets ever-so-slightly, 31-29, in the third quarter. When Denver’s reserves checked in to begin the fourth, however, Toronto switched to a zone defense coverage that was immediately effective. The Raptors went on a 15-4 run. The starters checked back in, and Jokić got his team out of the rut by scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Jokić sealed the win on a pretty pick-and-roll bucket that came off a gorgeous wraparound pass from Murray.