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Jokic's career night helps Nuggets end Raptors' 11-game win streak

AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty

The Toronto Raptors entered Denver riding a franchise-record 11-game win streak. They left the Mile High City having endured one of their worst losses of the season.

Whether it was the altitude, the traditional trap of hitting the road after a long homestand, or just an inexplicable tough night at the office, the Raptors were thoroughly outclassed by the Nuggets en route to a 112-93 loss.

Related: Lowry, coach Casey want to 'wipe their asses' with statsheet

The Raptors - who were looking to become the first Toronto sports team to put together 12 straight wins - shot 37 percent from the field and 69 percent from the free-throw line in defeat, while allowing the usually anemic Nuggets to shoot 54 percent, themselves.

Rookie center Nikola Jokic enjoyed a career night, feasting on the lethargic Raptors' frontline to the tune of career highs in both points (27) and rebounds (14), while showing flashes of his impressive playmaking ability for a young big.

Related: Nuggets coach wouldn't trade Jokic 'for anyone in the world'

While most of the attention will understandably revolve around the Raptors' first loss in four weeks, the Nuggets' 19th victory of the season keeps them on the periphery of a surprising Western Conference playoff race, where they trail the Portland Trail Blazers by just four games for eighth place.

The Raptors will look to launch a new streak when they continue a six-game road trip in Phoenix - against Earl Watson's Suns - on Tuesday night.

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