The Denver Nuggets defeated the host New York Knicks, 131 - 123, at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Defense has been optional for these teams all season and the 254 combined points in this game show just where their priorities are. Denver really took control in the third quarter, outscoring New York, 36 - 22, and never relinquishing the lead from there. Both offenses were scoring at ease, with both teams shooting over 55 percent from the field. The Nuggets feasted down low, as they won the rebounding differential, 44 - 33, and outscored the Knicks, 68 - 52, in the paint. The Nuggets (24 - 29) have been one of the best offenses in the league this season and this 131 - point outing shows just how efficient they can be. Nikola Jokic was the player of the game, as he dropped a career - high 40 points on 17 - of - 23 shooting, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two rebounds to his tally. Wilson Chandler finished second on the team, collecting 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Jameer Nelson started for Emmanuel Mudiay and accrued 16 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Will Barton was the only bench player in double figures, as he totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The Knicks (22 - 33) have had a ton of drama surrounding their team and losses like this show just why. Carmelo Anthony did all he could to carry New York, as he accumulated 33 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals on 13 - of - 20 from the field. Kristaps Porzingis was second on the team, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Brandon Jennings got a rare start and led the team with 13 assists, despite going just 2 - of - 10 from the field. Kyle O'Quinn led the bench, providing 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks.
["TeamStat(G,'Knicks') has 33 Losses ,has 123 Total points ,has 22 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 33 Rebounds ,has 22 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Nuggets') has 29 Losses ,has 131 Total points ,has 36 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 44 Rebounds ,has 24 Wins ."]