PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers looked hapless when they got clobbered at Ball Arena on Jan. 21. They looked like a reinvigorated force 10 days later, even short-handed.
It took a Nikola Jokic pick-and-pop 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining for the Nuggets to end Philadelphia’s four-game win streak Friday night at Wells Fargo Center, 137-134 after a regaling night of optional defense.
“I’d rather clean up after an ugly win than a tough loss,” coach Michael Malone said.
Jokic’s three gave the Nuggets a 133-130 lead, then his driving bucket prevented them from needing to get a stop with the game on the line.