The Bobcats defeated the Nuggets 100-98 Tuesday on what could have been a storybook night for Denver coach George Karl.

Karl was coaching in Charlotte, close to where he played college basketball at North Carolina and against old friend Larry Brown. He is one win away from 1,000 for his career.

"We only come here one time a year and of course going against Larry is always a challenge," Karl said. "It would have been something I'd have remembered if I won my 1,000th here. But hopefully we'll get it on this trip."

The Nuggets nearly rallied from eight points down with 90 seconds left.