Brown’s Goaltended Layup in OT Lifts Short-Handed Nuggets Over 76ers, 125-124.

PHILADELPHIA — Bruce Brown scored 19 points and secured the game-winning basket in overtime on a goaltending call against Joel Embiid, helping the short-handed Denver Nuggets defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 125-124 on Monday night. Jalen Pickett led Denver with 29 points. The decisive moment came with 5.3 seconds remaining when Embiid was called for goaltending while attempting to block Brown’s running layup. Tyrese Maxey missed a potential game-winning floater at the buzzer. Embiid finished with 32 points, marking his fourth 30-point game in the last eight, while Maxey added 28 for the 76ers. Denver played without several key players, including three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is expected to be sidelined at least until the end of the month with a hyperextended left knee, as well as Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. The Nuggets’ full regular starting lineup was absent, leaving only nine active players. Despite the depleted roster, Denver remained competitive. Hunter Tyson completed a four-point play to give Denver a 102-100 lead in the fourth quarter, followed by Pickett’s two-foot shot, which prompted a 76ers timeout and highlighted a 14-0 Nuggets run. Brown later hit a three-pointer and made two of three free throws after being fouled on another three-point attempt to give Denver a 120-115 lead. Philadelphia responded with VJ Edgecombe’s three-pointer to make it 120-118, and Maxey tied the game with a driving layup with 49 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.

Edgecombe, the No. 3 draft pick and standout rookie, gave the 76ers their last lead of the game with an OT dunk before Brown’s goaltended basket secured the win for Denver. The 76ers returned from a 3-2 road trip, having won all three games on the back end. Denver is scheduled to play at Boston on Wednesday, while Philadelphia will host Washington.