Toronto Raptors Run Past Denver Nuggets, 116-102

Kyle Lowry exploded for 30 points and 11 assists to lead the Toronto Raptors over the Denver Nuggets, 116-102. Toronto played tough defense to start the contest, as they held the home team to a dismal 35 percent shooting percentage. Nonetheless, the Nuggets kept the game close after one, trailing, 27-24.

Denver ignited a huge run in the second quarter behind Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler, who combined for 28 of the Nuggets' 54 points in the first half. However, the Raptors managed to hold off the surge, taking a 60-54 lead heading into the locker room.

The Nuggets started the third on a 15-10 run to trim the deficit to single digits with seven minutes to play. Ty Lawson scored eight more points in the third to lead the comeback for Denver, who trailed, 88-87, at the end of the period.

After a series of exchanges, the Toronto Raptors engineered an 11-2 run to push the lead to 10, thus sealing the faith for the Nuggets.

Toronto notched their second victory against the Nuggets this season, finishing the season series 2-0. Lou Williams finished the contest with a game-high 31 points while making 11 out of his 18 field goals. Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough added 13 and 10 points respectively to help the charge for the Raptors.

Three-point shooting proved to be the determining factor in the game, as the Raptors held the Nuggets to a dismal 23 percent shooting from downtown while shooting 43.5 percent themselves. The Raptors had an efficient night shooting the ball, converting 48 percent from the field.

Ty Lawson had 28 points and seven assists to lead the offensive production of the Nuggets. Wilson Chandler added 20 points, while Kenneth Faried chalked up 17 points and 19 rebounds. Outside of those three, no Nuggets players eclipsed the double figure mark.

The Toronto Raptors improve to an Eastern Conference best 24-7 record, while the Denver Nuggets drop to 13-18.

The Raptors have a tough game coming up on Tuesday, December 30th against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Nuggets will head home to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.