The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 141-128, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.

While there were eight ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Denver never relinquished the lead in the second half. They outscored the Wizards in the second half, 69-61, getting their lead up to 16 points at times. Washington never had a game-tying shot over the closing 20 minutes. The Nuggets shot 65 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Wizards to 53 percent from the field and 57 percent from the charity stripe. Denver also out-rebounded Washington, 54-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 98-48. The Nugs also outscored the Wiz in fastbreak scoring, 29-11.

The Wizards (11-18) were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Will Barton led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 20 points and seven assists, while Deni Avdija accrued nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Corey Kispert also scored 16 points.

The Nuggets (17-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 43 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and four steals on 17-of-20 from the field. Aaron Gordon generated 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Bruce Brown totaled 13 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bones Hyland led the bench with 23 points, two rebounds and six assists.

On deck for Denver is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Washington, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.