The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 121-120, at Moda Center on Thursday.

There were seven ties and 20 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. There were actually 14 lead changes in the closing seven minutes, with each of the final nine made shots being a lead change. Jamal Murray was the hero for Denver, making a stepback game-winning three with 0.9 seconds remaining. That capped off a 32-21 fourth quarter for the Nuggets. Denver ended up out-rebounding Portland, 54-44, while outscoring them in the paint, 64-46. The Nugs also shot 52 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 48 percent shooting.

The Nuggets (15-10) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Murray amassed 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Aaron Gordon accrued 20 points and five rebounds on 8-of-12 from the field. while Bones Hyland led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Trail Blazers (13-12) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 40 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jerami Grant totaled 18 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Josh Hart had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Denver returning home to play the Utah Jazz and Portland remaining home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.