By Joel Bartilotta, Rotowire
LAS VEGAS — The Denver Nuggets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 90-83, in the Las Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion on Monday.
While there were 10 ties and 13 lead changes in the first 22 minutes of action, Denver controlled the game from there. A 23-13 third quarter allowed the Nuggets to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, as that was the only quarter decided by more than two points. Milwaukee really struggled late, missing its final six shots and committing two turnovers in the final two minutes of action. Turnovers were the difference in the game, with the Nuggets forcing 17 of them while committing just 11 on their end. Three-point shooting was also critical, with the Nuggets hitting 11-of-22 and the Bucks connecting on just 8-of-30 from range.
The Bucks (1-2) got a spectacular performance out of Sterling Brown, who collected 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 11-of-18 from the field. D.J. Wilson totaled 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Christian Wood amassed 16 points and six boards. No other player on the roster had more than six points.
The Nuggets (3-0) were led by second-year guard Monte Morris’ 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell tallied 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Vlatko Cancar led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
These teams will await playoff seedings to see who they play in the Summer League postseason starting on Wednesday.
