After further review, the Nuggets ended 2025 on a high note.

It looked like Raptors wing Brandon Ingram tied the game at the buzzer to force overtime before a review determined the ball was still on his fingertips as the clock struck zeros. Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 106-103 win Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena:

1 . That was the blueprint for the Denver Nuggets to stay afloat for as long as they’re severely shorthanded. Denver did it in gritty fashion on defense, holding the Raptors to 37% shooting from the field and 26.7% from 3-point range. The Nuggets committed just 10 turnovers and only got outscored 11-7 in points off turnovers. No one player tried to do too much, including Jamal Murray, who finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Teams are going to be keying on Murray, and he’s going to need to stay aggressive within reason. Peyton Watson stepped up to score a team-high 24 points with eight rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas (17), DaRon Holmes II (11) and Jalen Pickett (10) also scored in double figures.

2. The injury bug continues to be insatiable when it comes to the Nuggets. Jonas Valanciunas got off to a strong start but limped off the court in the middle of the third quarter with what the team called a right calf strain. He was deemed questionable to return but didn’t. Rookie DaRon Holmes II replaced Valanciunas in a small-ball lineup. In the first 2 1/2 quarters, Valanciunas looked like he was still a starting-caliber center in the league. He scored 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 7 of 8 free throws to go with nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal in 23 minutes. Without Valanciunas, the Nuggets’ options at center were whittled down to Holmes and Zeke Nnaji. If Valanciunas is going to miss multiple weeks, the Nuggets might need to consider using their available roster spot on a free-agent center. Aaron Gordon could be back in the next handful of games but playing him at center after missing more than a month with a hamstring strain is not a wise move.

3. Some might have been surprised to see Pickett start alongside Murray, Watson, Spencer Jones and Valanciunas instead of Tim Hardaway Jr. or Bruce Brown, but it was the smart move from David Adelman’s staff. Toronto came in aiming to make life as difficult as possible for Murray, Denver’s only remaining healthy starter from the opening-night lineup. Murray faced a lot of double teams and traps in Toronto. Pickett provides supplementary ball-handling that allows Murray to not spend energy bringing the ball up against pressure, and Pickett still staggered some play with the second unit.

NUGGETS 106, RAPTORS 103

What happened: Denver started the second quarter ahead by nine and maintained a 63-54 advantage at halftime. Toronto closed within six to start the fourth and had a game-tying shot at the buzzer overturned, helping Denver improve to 23-10.

What went right: DaRon Holmes II made his first four shots, including a couple of 3s, to finish with 11 points, three rebounds, an assist and a block in 22 minutes. That should be a solid confidence boost, as he prepares for more substantial playing time.

What went wrong: Bruce Brown had a chance to seal the game but missed a couple of free throws with 3 seconds left, leaving the door open for Toronto.

Highlight of the night: Jonas Valanciunas did a solid Nikola Jokic impression in the first quarter. Valanciunas had the ball in the post and slipped an impressive pass to Peyton Watson, who finished the sequence with a dunk.

Up next: The Nuggets start the new year in Cleveland on Friday.