The Denver Nuggets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-100, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

The Nuggets (47-23) hard to work harder than expected to get past the Pistons (16-55) on Thursday. Denver looked sluggish in the first half and showed signs of life in the third quarter, but they would have to wait until the final 12 minutes to pull away for good. The first quarter ended with a 29-28 lead for the Nuggets, and Detroit grabbed the lead at the halftime break following a 36-29 score in the second quarter. Denver played the second half with a different attitude and came from behind with a 28-22 score in the third quarter. The Nuggets looked dominant in the final 12 minutes and tightened things up on both ends of the court while racing out to a 33-14 lead, ultimately securing a 19-point victory. The Nuggets moved to 17-17 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 9-28 at home.

Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double and finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists and six boards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 20 points, three steals and two assists. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 15 points, and Gordon also added eight rebounds.

Rodney McGruder led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. James Wiseman and Jaden Ivey each chipped in with 14 points, with Wiseman also adding nine rebounds and Ivey also posting six assists. Killian Hayes recorded 10 points, seven assists and two blocks. Eugene Omoruyi ended with 11 points and three rebounds. Jalen Duren had a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.