In a game with little impact on shaping the playoff picture, the Denver Nuggets (32 - 44) beat the banged - up Memphis Grizzlies (41 - 34) 109 - 105. The Nuggets, though not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, sit six games back from the eighth spot in the West. Wednesday's contest did help their case, however, as they were able to stave off a 37 - point fourth quarter from the Grizzlies and win. Rookie Emmanuel Mudiay led the starters with 17 points, while Sixth Man of the Year contender Will Barton exploded for 25 off the bench. The entire team saw efficient and effective shooting, hitting over 48 percent from the floor and sinking 13 three - pointers. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have suffered due to the loss of star center Marc Gasol and point guard Mario Chalmers to injury. The team still sits at fifth in the West, but the Trail Blazers have crept within three games of the spot. On Wednesday, the team was carried by veteran Zach Randolph's 26 points. Forward Jeff Green also contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. The team struggled from the line, however, hitting just 63 percent of its free - throws. The Nuggets will travel to New Orleans Thursday, while the Grizzlies will take on Toronto on Saturday.
["TeamStat(G,'Grizzlies') has 34 Losses ,has 105 Total points ,has 37 Points in 4th quarter ,has 41 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Nuggets') has 44 Losses ,has 109 Total points ,has 32 Points in 4th quarter ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Emmanuel Mudiay') has 17 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Will Barton') has 25 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Zach Randolph') has 26 Points ."]