Raptors hand Nuggets first loss at Summer League

LAS VEGAS — Monte Morris, Malik Beasley and the Denver Nuggets will not run the table at Summer League. Denver, who entered the tournament portion of the Vegas showcase undefeated, fell 85-77 to the Toronto Raptors.

The Nuggets led the Raptors 44-38 at the half behind strong first-half showings from both Morris and Beasley. But Toronto outscored Denver 28-18 in the fourth quarter to pull away for its first Summer League win.

Morris, who’s been one of the better players at this week’s showcase, had another solid performance against Toronto. He struggled in the second half — as did the rest of the Nuggets’ roster, but Morris still chipped in 21 points and seven assists.

Beasley, who missed Denver’s last matchup on Monday versus the Bucks, added 19 points. He wasn’t terribly efficient and shot just 9-23 from the field in the loss. However, the 21-year-old, who’s vying for minutes off the bench for the Nuggets next season, did get his hand in the passing lane for three steals.

After three strong outings in a row, Vlatko Cancar, one of Denver’s biggest surprises so far at Summer League, struggled against the Raptors. Cancar scored just three points on 1-5 shooting in 17 minutes.

The Nuggets now enter the consolation portion of the tournament. Denver plays its fifth and final game of Summer League on Friday.

The Manimal descends into Las Vegas

Kenneth Faried sat courtside as the Nuggets took on the Raptors alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who have both been around Cox Pavilion and Thomas and Mack Center this week.

Faried, who has one-year and $13.7 million remaining on his contract, has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. He only appeared in 32 games last season, a year after starting 34 games for the club. Faried is currently behind both Paul Millsap and Trey Lyles at the power forward position on Denver’s depth chart.

Torrey Craig, who inked a two-year, $4 million contract to remain in Denver earlier this week, was also in attendance.