January 1st - The Nuggets narrowly defeated the Raptors 106-103 . Watson scored 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Barnes contributed a triple-double with 20 points , 14 rebounds , and 10 assists for the Raptors, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome.

In the first quarter, the Raptors quickly built a 6-4 lead. However, the Nuggets, led by Watson and Murray, went on an 11-0 run , taking the lead and widening the gap. At the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets led 32-23 . In the second quarter, the Raptors relied on Quekley's 12 points and two three-pointers to keep the game close. The Nuggets also relied on Watson's 14 points , scoring both inside and outside . At halftime, the Nuggets maintained a 9- point advantage, 63-54 .

After switching sides, the Raptors, led by Ingram, tied the game and then took a 4- point lead. In the crucial moments, the Nuggets regained their offensive rhythm, with Valanciunas and Murray orchestrating the offense to stop the bleeding. At the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets regained the lead 85-79 . In the final quarter, the Raptors narrowed the gap and briefly took the lead, but the Nuggets demonstrated stronger execution. Watson scored consecutive points. Ultimately, the Nuggets defeated the Raptors 106-103 .

Nuggets player statistics

Watson 24 points , 8 rebounds; Murray 21 points , 7 rebounds , 6 assists; Valanciunas 17 points , 9 rebounds , 4 assists; Holmes II 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Pickett 10 points , 1 rebound , 1 assist; Hardaway 9 points , 5 rebounds , 1 assist; Brown 8 points , 7 rebounds , 2 assists; Jones 6 points, 7 rebounds , 2 assists .

Raptors player statistics

Ingram 30 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist; Quickley 22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Barnes 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists; Barrett 17 points , 6 rebounds, 3 assists; Boyles 6 points , 9 rebounds , 2 assists; Abaji 2 points, 2 rebounds , 1 assist; Walter 2 points, 3 rebounds; Shedder 2 points , 5 assists; Battier 2 points, 1 rebound.