PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Bruce Brown’s driving layup with 5.3 seconds remaining in overtime lifted the Denver Nuggets to a 125-124 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Nuggets, who led by as many as 15 points, squandered a late fourth-quarter lead as the 76ers forced overtime. Denver then outscored Philadelphia 5-4 in the extra period to secure the road win before a crowd of 18,521. Denver improved to 24-12 with the win, while Philadelphia fell to 19-15. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a dominant performance, but Zeke Nnaji’s timely shooting for Denver proved pivotal in a game that featured 18 lead changes and 13 ties.

PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless offensive execution and a bizarrely consistent scoring pattern, the Denver Nuggets escaped Xfinity Mobile Arena with a 125-124 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night in a contest that required a final replay review to decide the outcome. The most critical sequence came in the final seconds of overtime. With the score tied at 124 and the clock ticking down, Denver’s Bruce Brown drove into the lane and attempted a running layup. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, the 7-foot center from Yaounde, Cameroon, swatted the attempt away, but officials immediately signaled a defensive goaltending violation. After a referee-initiated review confirmed the call, Brown was awarded the basket, giving Denver a one-point lead with 5.3 seconds remaining. Philadelphia had one final chance, but Tyrese Maxey’s driving floating jump shot as time expired missed the mark, sealing a heart-stopping win for the visiting Nuggets before a crowd of 18,521. The game’s conclusion capped a night where Denver’s scoring by quarter was an exercise in eerie symmetry: 29 points in the first, 29 in the second, 29 in the third, 33 in the fourth and five in the overtime period. Philadelphia, meanwhile, built a lead through the middle quarters with 32 points in the second and 35 in the third before their offense stalled late, managing only 27 in the fourth and four in the extra frame. Denver’s victory improved its record to 24-12, while Philadelphia fell to 19-15. The Nuggets were led by a balanced attack. Guard Jalen Pickett of Rochester, New York, provided crucial shot-making throughout the night, while forward Zeke Nnaji’s versatility proved vital, contributing key baskets and defensive plays. Guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones also made significant contributions on both ends for Denver. For the 76ers, Embiid was a dominant force, scoring efficiently and controlling the paint for long stretches. Maxey, the guard from Dallas, Texas, provided explosive scoring bursts, particularly in the second and third quarters as Philadelphia built its lead. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe was a disruptive presence defensively and hit several timely three-pointers to keep Philadelphia in front during the second half. The game featured 18 lead changes and 13 ties, with neither team able to secure a double-digit advantage. Denver’s ability to answer every Philadelphia run was paramount. After trailing by as many as nine points in the third quarter, the Nuggets chipped away, finally tying the game late in the fourth period to force overtime. In the extra period, offense was at a premium. Pickett opened the scoring with a three-pointer for Denver, but the Nuggets would not score again until the controversial goaltending call. Philadelphia managed only a Joel Embiid layup and a VJ Edgecombe dunk in overtime, with their final four possessions ending in two missed shots and two turnovers. The game was a departure from pregame expectations. Despite being installed as a 10.5-point favorite, Philadelphia could not close out the resilient Nuggets. The total score of 249 points also dramatically exceeded the over/under line of 228.5. National Statistical’s ELO system had given Denver a 57.3% probability to win, a forecast that proved accurate in the tightest possible fashion. Denver’s win snapped a two-game skid after losses at Brooklyn and Cleveland. The Nuggets continue a tough road trip Wednesday at Boston. Philadelphia, which had won three of its last four entering the night, looks to rebound at home Wednesday against Washington.

Preview: Nuggets at 76ers PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The Denver Nuggets, looking to halt a two-game slide, visit the surging Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night in a cross-conference showdown at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Nuggets (23-12) arrive after a 127-115 loss at Brooklyn on Sunday, their second straight defeat following a 113-108 setback in Cleveland on Friday. Denver has lost four of its last six games, with its typically stout defense allowing an average of 124.3 points during that stretch. Key contributors in the Brooklyn loss included Jamal Murray, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson. Philadelphia (19-14) has won three consecutive games, all on the road, and returns home with momentum. The 76ers are coming off a 130-119 victory at New York on Saturday, powered by another stellar performance from All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. Maxey enters Monday’s contest on a torrid scoring run, averaging 32.1 points over his last eight games. In the three-game win streak, he posted 34 points and 10 assists at Memphis and 34 points with eight rebounds and 10 assists at Dallas before his 36-point, eight-rebound effort against the Knicks. His backcourt partnership with veteran Joel Embiid, who had 26 points and 10 rebounds Saturday, remains the engine of Philadelphia’s offense. Denver holds the superior record and will seek to re-establish its Western Conference contender form. The Nuggets have struggled recently on their current road trip, which concludes Monday before a challenging matchup in Boston on Wednesday. For Philadelphia, this begins a brief two-game homestand before another road stretch. The 76ers have won four of their last five at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV.