Nuggets defeat Grizzlies 125-108

By Benjamin Hochman
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Call it a three-punch combo — a Nene dunk, followed by a Birdman block, and then a J.R. Smith 3.

The Nuggets and Grizzlies were tied at 85 entering the fourth quarter on Saturday, but after those three emphatic plays early in the fourth, the air sifted out of the FedEx Forum.

By the time Smith hit another 3-pointer with 9:33 left, Denver led by 12, and Smith hopped back in defense, screaming with pride.

Denver's 125-108 win Saturday was an impressive feat — not only was it the team's sixth consecutive win, but it was on a back to back, after Friday's win at New Orleans.

And these aren't your older brother's Grizzlies. Memphis' slew of lottery picks have finally matured enough to make the team competitive, and the Grizzlies entered Saturday with a respectable 35-31 record. 

With the win, the Nuggets (45-21) now have the best 66-game record in Denver history.

The quintet of Smith, Anthony Carter, Joey Graham, Nene and Chris Andersen were responsible for the fourth-quarter fury — Denver led by as many as 14 before the band broke up — and Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups returned to the court.

Coming off an abysmal 1-for-12 night Friday (and the one make was a dunk), Smith was sensational Saturday, scoring 30 points on 11-for-16 from the field. He was confident and cocky, nodding his head at fans and, at one point, putting a finger to his mouth to quiet the crowd.

The Nuggets came out slow, allowing Memphis to shoot 65 percent in the first quarter, and the Grizzlies led 33-24. Denver scraped back in the second quarter, and by halftime, the Nuggets trailed by just six, 63-57. But once again, come winning time, the Nuggets were on fire.