WASHINGTON, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Derrick White had a career-high 36 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 118-108 to take a 2-1 lead in the first round series on Thursday.
Nikola Jokic had 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Denver.
White attacked Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray from the opening tip after being on the receiving end of Murray's career outing Tuesday night. Murray had only six points, a game after scoring 21 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help Denver overcome a 19-point deficit to even the series.
DeMar DeRozan scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half. LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Rudy Gay had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Malik Beasley added 20 points for Denver.
Game 4 is on Saturday in San Antonio, where the Spurs are 3-0 against the Nuggets this season.
