DENVER — — Jonas Valanciunas had season highs of 23 factors and 17 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-107 in a battle of reserves Friday evening.
Denver (53-28) gained its eleventh straight sport to safe at the very least the No. 4 seed within the Western Conference. Julian Strawther completed with 22 factors and David Roddy had a season-high 21 factors.
The Nuggets sat their total beginning lineup regardless of battling for home-court benefit within the first spherical. A 21-5 run to open the fourth quarter gave them the win they wanted and saved them in place for the No. 3 seed. Denver entered with a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been internet hosting Phoenix.
The Nuggets, who end the season at San Antonio on Sunday evening, prioritized relaxation over seeding.
“I think you just have to play it out with decisions that are best for your team,” coach David Adelman stated earlier than the sport. “And we feel like tonight, this is the best decision.”
Oklahoma City clinched the highest seed general Wednesday evening and opted to relaxation most of its beginning lineup. Lu Dort was the one starter who performed for the Thunder and completed with 5 factors. Coach Mark Daigneault stated Dort must play at the very least 20 minutes in every of the ultimate two video games to qualify for season awards.
Daigneault referred to as timeout early within the third quarter when Dort hit the 20-minute mark.
Branden Carlson led the Thunder with 23 factors.
Using simply an eight-man rotation, the Thunder closed a nine-point deficit to 87-85 late within the third. Zeke Nnaji then hit a nook 3-pointer for Denver to spark a 17-0 run.
Grizzlies: Host Phoenix on Sunday evening.
Nuggets: At San Antonio on Sunday evening.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
