Denver 89, Memphis 86

DENVER, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Voshon Lenard scored seven consecutive points down the stretch Thursday night as the Denver Nuggets rallied for an 89-86 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies that snapped a five-game losing streak.

Following Tuesday's home loss to Charlotte, Denver's ninth in 10 games, coach Dan Issel responded with a racial slur to a fan as he walked off the court.

Issel apologized Wednesday but was suspended four games without pay by the team. Assistant Mike Evans was installed as interim coach and made one change in the starting lineup, inserting Lenard at shooting guard.

Lenard responded with a season-high 25 points and came through in the clutch. His 3-pointer -- which came with both feet on the arc -- pulled Denver into an 84-84 tie with 1:24 remaining.

Lenard's layup off a bounce pass from Nick Van Exel gave the Nuggets the lead for good with 50 seconds to go. The Grizzlies committed a turnover and Lenard dribbled past 7-foot rookie Pau Gasol for a layup and an 88-84 advantage with 12 seconds remaining.

Grant Long made two foul shots and Van Exel split a pair, giving the Grizzlies one last chance. But rookie Will Solomon left a potential tying 3-pointer short, the Nuggets rebounded and ran out the clock.