Nuggets bounce back from Game 3 heartbreak to even series against Trail Blazers

PORTLAND — The boos rained down all game, oh did they ever, and 48 hours after he played 65 minutes in the Nuggets’ Game 3 loss, Nikola Jokic propelled his team to another playoff win.

Jokic, who was the center of some controversy in Portland after Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts thought the Nuggets’ big man’s box out on Enes Kanter in Game 3 was “uncalled for,” finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, recording his fourth triple-double of the playoffs. The Nuggets edged the Trail Blazers 116-112 to even their second-round series at two games apiece.

Jamal Murray continued his string of solid playoff performances as the Nuggets’ point guard battled through thigh and shoulder soreness on his way to a game-high 34 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. In a game that was neck-and-neck for 48 minutes, Will Barton, who finished with 11 points off Denver’s bench and nailed two big fourth-quarter 3s, Murray ended Portland’s night for good at the free-throw line by knocking in two shots that pushed Denver’s lead to four points with 6.7 seconds remaining. C.J. McCollum converted a shot from the corner on the ensuing possession, which was reviewed but confirmed a two-pointer. Murray’s two free-throws iced the game for Denver.

Paul Millsap added 21 points and 10 rebounds in one of his better playoff showings of the last few weeks.

C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard led Portland with 29 and 28 points, respectively.

Will Barton hit back-to-back 3s, the second one coming with under two minutes remaining.

Game 5 is Tuesday in Denver.