2019 ScheduleAll times ET

2019 Schedule
48-34, 2nd in Southwest

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

The NBA announced it fined DeMar DeRozan $25,000 "for recklessly throwing the basketball toward a game official." DeRozan was ejected after being handed two quick technical fouls for the fling at official Scott Foster.

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
3dOhm Youngmisuk

Nuggets respond to Malone's challenge, top Spurs

The Nuggets got their first victory at San Antonio since 2012 on Saturday, responding to coach Michael Malone's challenge to play tougher than the Spurs and evening the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Popovich on defensive performance: 'It was poor' (1:31)
AP Photo/Eric Gay
3dOhm Youngmisuk

DeRozan ejected for firing ball toward ref Foster

Spurs star DeMar DeRozan was assessed two technical fouls and ejected for throwing the ball toward official Scott Foster in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 117-103 loss to the Nuggets in Game 4.

3d

Nuggets beat Spurs 117-103 to tie series at 2-2

Nikola Jokic had 29 points and 12 rebounds, Jamal Murray added 24 points and the Denver Nuggets beat the San Antonio Spurs 117-103 on Saturday night, rebounding from a flat performance tie the first-round series at two games apiece.

DeRozan ejected for firing ball near ref (0:32)

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

San Antonio falling apart here at the end with DeMar DeRozan getting to quick techs and an ejection after being whistled for a charge. DeRozan fired the ball and the referee didn't like it.

DeRozan flies down lane for dunk (0:17)

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

Michael Malone may have wanted to see his team get off to a better start in the first quarter. But they've definitely closed the second and third quarters like the second-seeded team that they are. After Derrick White drove past Jamal Murray to cut the deficit to 71-69 midway through the third, Denver responded with a 20-10 run to take a 91-79 lead going into the fourth quarter. Murray scored five points and assisted on a Torrey Craig 3-pointer to get the run started. Murray is having his best game outside of Game 2 in this series with 19 points and five assists through three quarters.

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

Denver has to be encouraged that the game is tied at the half. The Nuggets erased a 12-point deficit and were able to do so despite Paul Millsap and Gary Harris combining for a total of three points and 1-for-12 shooting in the first two quarters. Both Nuggets have been solid offensively this series. However, the two have helped Denver in areas that Michael Malone highlighted -- defense and on the glass, where it is tied 27-27 in rebounds at the half.

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

The two star big men in this series made their presence felt in the first half. Nikola Jokic had a double-double by halftime with 16 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists. LaMarcus Aldridge, who had a monster one-handed rebound and putback dunk all in one motion, had 17 points and nine rebounds going into the break.

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

The Nuggets close the second quarter with a 20-9 run that has the game tied at 54-54 at the half. Jamal Murray scored seven points and hit Gary Harris with a cross-court pass for a 3-pointer during the run. But the Nuggets' defense came up big. Derrick White, who has had his way with Denver in this series, was limited to just five points and 2-for-6 shooting in the first half. White had a defender in his face and there were no easy layups.

Aldridge putback dunk fires up crowd (0:21)

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

If it weren't for Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets might've been staring at a blowout after just one quarter. San Antonio took a 34-22 lead into the second quarter but that lead would've been much greater if not for Jokic's eight points and five rebounds in the quarter. Michael Malone wanted to see his starting five get off to a quick start by inserting Torrey Craig. But outside of Jokic, Denver's four other starters combined for five points and 2-for-12 shooting. Denver also could not stop San Antonio, which made 68.4% of its shots in the quarter. LaMarcus Aldridge got off to a quick start with 13 points and five rebounds. Once again, Denver will have to come from behind as it has the entire series.

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

The Nuggets have come out with a few adjustments early in Game 4. Nikola Jokic is aggressively looking for his shot early, posting up spinning his way into the paint for shots before doubles can come. He took five shots in his first five minutes. He came in averaging 12.7 shot attempts in his first three games. Also, the Nuggets had Gary Harris on Derrick White, Torrey Craig on DeMar DeRozan and Jamal Murray on Bryn Forbes early.

Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer 

Michael Malone is making a change to his starting lineup in hopes of getting off to a better start in the first quarter and adding some defense. Torrey Craig is starting in place of the struggling Will Barton, who is shooting 1-for-13 from behind the arc. Craig could potentially be an option to slow down Derrick White, who is averaging 23 points and 68% shooting in the series.

Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
4dOhm Youngmisuk

Malone wants Murray, Nuggets to play tougher

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he wants his team, and specifically Jamal Murray, to take Derrick White's big night personally heading into Game 4 of Denver's series against San Antonio.

Pop on White: 'He's OK' (1:02)
White's career-high 36 leads Spurs to commanding win (1:31)

Team Stats

Points Per Game111.718th
Rebounds Per Game44.721st
Assists Per Game24.516th
Points Allowed110.012th

Team History

YEARWLPCT
2018-194834.585
2017-184735.573
2016-176121.744
2015-166715.817
2014-155527.671