NBA scores: Nuggets slide back in Northwest, Grizzlies hand Knicks first loss

The Denver Nuggets continue trying to gain traction at the start of the NBA regular season following a 98-93 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday night. LeBron James was too much for the Nuggets with 27 points and 12 assist, as a late rally by the Nuggets fell short.

After winning four consecutive games, the Nuggets dropped their second straight to move back under .500 at 4-5 for the season with tough games against the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies next up on the schedule.

The Grizzlies are rolling after beating the New York Knicks on Friday night, 105-95 to hand the Knicks their first loss of the season. The seventh straight win for the Grizzlies capped off a a big week for Memphis which included wins over the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.

In other Northwest Division action on Friday, the Golden State Warriors ran past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 106- 98 behind 18 points from rookie Harrison Barnes.

Oklahoma City remained on top of the division with a 110-95 win over the New Orleans Hornets. Kevin Durant did his thing with 27 points and nine rebounds for the Thunder.

The Portland Trail Blazers moved into a tie with the Nuggets after beating the Houston Rockets, 119-117. Nicolas Batum exploded for 35 points for the Blazers while rookie point guard Damian Lilard scored 27 points with five assists.

Here is the full scoreboard of Friday's action.