The Denver Nuggets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-102, at Pepsi Center on Saturday night.

The Nuggets (31-14) came out of the gates like the dominant home squad they've often proven to be, building a 37-25 first-quarter lead that they'd expanded to an insurmountable 70-46 by halftime. Denver then coasted through the second half to seal the dominant win over the Cavaliers (9-38). The home squad shot an impressive 56.2 percent, and they enjoyed a 43-28 rebounding advantage.

Ante Zizic led the way for the Cavaliers with 23 points, adding six rebounds. Rodney Hood poured in 18 points and also provided three assists and two steals. Cedi Osman supplied 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jordan Clarkson generated 13 points, four rebounds and an assist. Collin Sexton managed 10 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.

Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 26 points and supplemented them with five assists and two rebounds. Trey Lyles followed with a bench-leading 16 points and also turned in six boards, four assists and one steal. Monte Morris contributed 15 points. Paul Millsap delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Malik Beasley totaled 13 points, four rebounds and one assist.

The Cavaliers remain home and take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road and take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.