The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 97-92, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.

A matchup between two very evenly matched teams was fittingly close from the opening tip, with the 76ers (18-7) erasing a slim one-point deficit at the end of one quarter to take a five-point lead into halftime over the Nuggets (14-8). Philadelphia managed to add another two points to its advantage in the third period and saw Denver get as close as 95-92 with 18.9 seconds remaining before closing out the win with a pair of Joel Embiid free throws.

Will Barton paced the Nuggets with 26 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals. Nikola Jokic generated a 15-point, 11-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and one block. Gary Harris turned in 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Paul Millsap furnished 10 points, six boards, three steals and one block. Jamal Murray played only five minutes before suffering a trunk contusion that led to an early exit.

Embiid led the 76ers with 22 points and complemented them with 10 boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Matisse Thybulle compiled 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Al Horford tallied 11 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals. Ben Simmons mustered seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

The Nuggets return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Thursday evening as well.