Christian Braun’s 22 points and Nikola Jokic’s 14 assists powered the Denver Nuggets to a 124-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
The sold-out crowd booed Embiid when he came to the bench for the first time in the third quarter. Embiid has missed the last six Sixers games in Denver, denying Nuggets fans an MVP matchup between the Philadelphia big man and Jokic.
Nuggets Maintain Western Conference Pace
Denver kept pace with Minnesota in the tight Western Conference race. There are 1 1/2 games separating the third-place Los Angeles Lakers and the Timberwolves in sixth.
76ers Hampered by Key Injuries
Philadelphia played without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Paul George is serving a 25-game suspension.
Jokic’s Impact Despite Limited Scoring
Jokic scored eight points but reached 10 assists in less than 12 minutes. He picked up two quick fouls and a technical in the first quarter after dishing out eight assists.
Braun and Murray Provide Scoring Support
Cameron Johnson scored 18 points, and Jamal Murray finished with 12 points after shooting 1 of 14 at the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Murray missed his final 13 shots before fouling out in the overtime loss.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
The Nuggets never trailed, jumping out to a 16-point lead after the first quarter. They led 71-38 on Braun’s two free throws with 1:39 left in the second quarter.
Denver held the Sixers to 40 points in the first half, the fewest it has allowed, and never let them back into the game.
The 76ers continue their three-game road trip at Sacramento on Thursday night.