DeMar DeRozan scored 33 and Kyle Lowry added 29 points to lead the Toronto Raptors in blasting the Denver Nuggets, 105-102, on Monday at Air Canada Centre.
With his point production, DeMar DeRozan became the first ever Raptor to post three straight 30-point games to start an NBA season. He shares the distinction with Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook as the only players to do it in the 2026-2017 NBA season, according to ESPN. DeMar DeRozan also became the first NBA player since Kobe Bryant in 2005 to open the season with scoring at least 30 points in three games without connecting on a three-pointer, according to TSN.
Jonas Valanciunas added 12 points and nine rebounds, while DeMarre Carroll finished with 10 points for the Toronto Raptors.
On the other hand, all the Denver Nuggets starters scored in double figures, led by Jusuf Nurkic's 13 points and 18 boards. Danilo Gallinari, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Will Barton each had 16 points, while Nikola Jokic added 12 points. Jameer Nelson scored 13 points coming off the bench.
The Toronto Raptors led 52-33 with 4:48 left in the second quarter. However, the Denver Nuggets were able to rally and overtook the Toronto Raptors, 99-93, with 5:56 to play following a 3-pointer by Chandler Wilson, a 3-point play by Jusuf Nurkic, and a 3-point shot and a layup by Jameer Nelson. Kyle Lowry scored 11 of the Toronto Raptors last 15 points with DeMar DeRozan scoring the rest as they rallied and went on to edge the Denver Nuggets.
Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey's described DeMar DeRozan offensive game as "at a very high level" and "unreal" and hopes that he maintains it and not get worn out. Additionally, Dwane Casey noted that Kyle Lowry stepped up his game to give them a boost.
Next up for the the Toronto Raptors is to try to extend their will seven-game win streak over the Wizards in Washington for their first road game of the season, while the Denver Nuggets will take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
