Strawther Leads Injury-Depleted Nuggets Past Bucks, 102–100.

Julian Strawther recorded a season-high 20 points as the short-handed Denver Nuggets held off the Milwaukee Bucks for a 102–100 victory Friday night in Milwaukee. Denver built a commanding 23-point lead before surviving a late surge by the Bucks. The game was marred by injuries to key players on both sides. Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo exited with a right calf injury, while Denver’s Aaron Gordon left after straining his right hamstring. Both players had previously missed extended time earlier this season with similar issues. Milwaukee erased much of Denver’s lead after trailing 86–63 with just over ten minutes remaining. Ryan Rollins sparked the comeback, hitting a three-pointer with 29.3 seconds left to pull the Bucks within two. Tim Hardaway Jr. answered with two free throws for Denver, but Rollins struck again with another three to make it a one-point game with 5.4 seconds remaining. Jalen Pickett split a pair of free throws in the closing moments, giving Denver a 102–100 edge. Milwaukee’s Kyle Kuzma grabbed the rebound and attempted a desperation shot from beyond midcourt, but the ball bounced off the front rim as time expired. Rollins finished with 21 points, 15 of which came in the fourth quarter. Antetokounmpo totaled 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists before leaving the game with 34 seconds remaining. He appeared uncomfortable throughout the second half after having his lower right leg wrapped earlier in the game.

Denver continued to play without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who has been sidelined since Dec. 29 with a bone bruise in his left knee. Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas also missed the contest due to injuries. Hardaway contributed 17 points for the Nuggets, while Bruce Brown added 15. Milwaukee was without Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, and Gary Trent Jr. due to injury and illness. The loss marked the Bucks’ fifth defeat in six games.

Denver will visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, while Milwaukee returns home to host the Dallas Mavericks.