Nuggets defense continues to shine as Denver routs Orlando

The Nuggets’ defense continues to look every bit as real as their top-10 ranking.

Denver had already held seven opponents under 100 points this season prior to its Friday night matchup with Orlando. Behind yet another stout defensive performance, the Nuggets made the Magic the latest member of their sub-100 point club.

After leading 21-19 after the first quarter, Denver outscored Orlando 33-22 in the second to take a 13-point lead into the half. The Nuggets held a double-digit advantage for the majority of the second half and opened up a 20-plus point lead midway through the fourth.

The Nuggets held the Magic to just 40.5 percent shooting from the field, 25.0 percent from three to win going away 112-87.

Trey Lyles led Denver with a team-high 22 points off the bench. Mason Plumlee shined again off Denver’s bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Jamal Murray chipped in 16 points, five rebounds and six assists.

The Nuggets’ point guards — Murray and backup Monte Morris — combined for only four turnovers, as Denver gave the ball away just 11 times. The Nuggets are now 9-1 when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponent.

Denver moves to 12-7 on the season and head to Oklahoma City for a difficult back-to-back Saturday night versus the Thunder.