DENVER, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Chucky Atkins made two free throws with 3 seconds left Friday, finishing off a huge comeback that gave the Denver Nuggets a 105-101 win over Philadelphia.
The Nuggets trailed by 18 late in the third period, but closed within 11 going into the final quarter.
After a dunk shot by Kenyon Martin with 9 seconds to go put Denver in front by one, the 76ers turned it over when Andre Iguodala was called for traveling. Lou Williams fouled Atkins and then a technical foul was assessed against Philadelphia's Andre Miller.
After Chauncey Billups made the technical free throw to give the Nuggets a two-point lead, Atkins converted his two foul shots to clinch the comeback victory.
Denver climbed a full game in front of Portland atop the Northwest Division. The Nuggets got 27 points from J.R. Smith and 26 from Billups.
Philadelphia, loser of three straight, was led by Iguodala with 24.
