The Denver Nuggets condemned the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks to their third consecutive loss, winning 109-95 in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bucks superstar and reigning MVP Antetokounmpo missed his second straight game due to a knee sprain and slumping Milwaukee suffered another defeat on Monday.
Milwaukee were also without starters Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton, as well as George Hill.
There was an Antetokounmpo on the floor for the Bucks but Giannis' older brother Thanasis (nine points) was unable to help Milwaukee snap their skid in Denver.
Kyle Korver posted 23 points off the bench for the Bucks, who fell to 53-12 in the Eastern Conference as the Los Angeles Lakers (49-13) close in on the league's best record.