Key Takeaways:
- Christian Braun scored 22 points as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 124-96
- Nikola Jokic contributed 14 assists and achieved double-digit dimes in the 1st quarter
- Philadelphia were without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. due to injury
Decisive First Half Powers Denver
The Denver Nuggets produced an emphatic performance on Tuesday night, recording a convincing 124-96 win over a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers squad. Christian Braun paved the way for Denver with 22 points, while Nikola Jokic orchestrated the offence to the tune of 14 assists, including 10 before the first quarter had ended. Denver found their rhythm early and maintained control throughout the contest at Ball Arena.
The Nuggets took command immediately, surging to a 16-point advantage by the end of the opening quarter. By the final minutes of the second period, Braun’s two free throws with 1:39 left extended the lead to 71-38, marking the fewest first-half points Denver has allowed this season at just 40 for Philadelphia. Despite rotation changes in the second half, Denver never relinquished control, ensuring a comfortable finish.
We were up late night HOOOOOOOOPIN’#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/9UpgW96Kme
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 18, 2026
Sixers Blighted by Injury Absences
Philadelphia were forced to compete without key players: Joel Embiid (right oblique strain), Tyrese Maxey (sprained finger), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow strain). In addition, Paul George is serving a 25-game suspension. These absences left the Sixers undermanned and unable to match the high-paced game of the defending NBA champions.
The crowd was vocal when Embiid, who has now missed the last six games in Denver, came to the bench for the first time during the third quarter, once again denying local fans the eagerly anticipated MVP duel between Embiid and Jokic.
Strong Showing from Nuggets’ Stars
Nikola Jokic, despite being limited to just eight points on 4-of-7 shooting, exhibited his signature playmaking with 14 assists. Jokic demonstrated efficiency, registering his 10th assist inside 12 minutes and overcoming early foul trouble after accumulating two quick fouls and a technical in the opening period, shortly after tallying eight assists.
Christian Braun led Denver’s scoring, while Jamal Murray chipped in with 12 points, rebounding from a difficult 1-of-14 shooting display and overtime foul out against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Cameron Johnson provided an 18-point boost for the Nuggets.
| Team | Top Scorer | Assists Leader | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | Christian Braun (22) | Nikola Jokic (14) | 124 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | MarJon Beauchamp (16) | Trendon Watford (6) | 96 |
Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
With this result, Denver remain in lock-step with Minnesota, who triumphed over Phoenix the same night, maintaining a close race in the Western Conference playoffs. The gap between the third-place Los Angeles Lakers and the sixth-place Timberwolves stands at 1.5 games.
Philadelphia continue their three-game road swing at Sacramento on Thursday night, while the Nuggets travel to meet the Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
