Nets 119, Nuggets 108: Joe Johnson had 26 points and nine assists and C.J. Watson added 25 as host Brooklyn handed Denver its third straight loss.

Brook Lopez scored 23 points and Kris Humphries tallied 14 for the Nets, who tied a season high with 16 3-pointers and notched a season-best point total. Brooklyn played without point guard Deron Williams (inflammation in both ankles) for the second straight contest.

Ty Lawson had 26 points and nine assists and hit all five of his 3-point shots for the Nuggets. Jordan Hamilton added 15 points and JaVale McGee scored 14 for Denver, which was without starters Danilo Gallinari (sinus infection) and Andre Iguodala (ankle) for the second consecutive game.

The Nets had a five-point halftime lead but pushed the lead to 83-63 on a 3-pointer by Watson with 6:20 left in the third quarter. Johnson scored 13 points in the stanza and Brooklyn’s lead was 14 entering the final quarter.

Denver used a 12-2 burst to get within 101-96 with 8:12 remaining but Watson scored the first six points of a 14-3 run as the Nets took a 16-point lead with under four minutes remaining. Watson and Johnson each made five 3-pointers.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Nets posted a season-best 29 assists. … Denver scored 100 or more points for the 13th consecutive game. … Brooklyn was 9-of-14 from 3-point range in the first half en route to a 62-57 lead.