March 26, 2015
DENVER — Rookie Robert Covington tied a career high with 25 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Denver Nuggets 99-85 on Wednesday night.
Nerlens Noel had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the 76ers, who swept the season series from the Nuggets.
Ty Lawson scored 19 points and Wilson Chandler had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.
Covington, who also tied a career high with six 3-pointers, scored 15 points in a 6:16 span of the third quarter to give Philadelphia a 66-62 lead.
Denver responded with a 14-6 run to end the third. Lawson hit a pair of 3-pointers, the second of which gave the Nuggets a 74-72 lead with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Denver led by four midway through the fourth when Ish Smith drove in for a layup and Noel's rebound and layup tied it at 79.
Philadelphia took control from there. Covington, Isaiah Canaan and Hollis Thompson each hit 3-pointers as the 76ers went on 14-2 run in the final five minutes to go ahead 95-83.
Noel clinched the win with a steal and dunk to give Philadelphia a 10-point lead with 1:07 left.
Denver missed five straight shots and had two turnovers in the decisive run by the 76ers.
TIP-INS
76ers: Forward Thomas Robinson was waived by Denver after the Nuggets acquired him from Portland on Feb. 19. He signed with Philadelphia four days later. ... Forward Luc Mbah a Moute was sidelined with a sore shoulder, but it is not considered serious.
Nuggets: Forward Darrell Arthur (right calf strain) was held out. Arthur has been bothered by the injury for a month, but had played in the last four games. ... Nelson played despite a sore hip.
UP NEXT
76ers: At L.A. Clippers on Friday.
Kings: Host Utah on Friday.
