DENVER – In an extraordinary display of efficiency and skill, Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to their highest-scoring game of the season, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 142-105 on Thursday night. Jokic’s perfect shooting night included 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 116th regular-season triple-double, placing him fourth in NBA history.
Jokic’s impeccable performance saw him shooting 11 for 11 from the field, successfully making his only 3-point attempt, and going 3 for 3 from the free-throw line. This stellar outing followed another near-perfect game against Golden State, where he converted all 18 free throws.
The Nuggets benefited from Jokic’s brilliance, particularly in the third quarter, where he completed his 11th triple-double of the season before heading to the bench. Teammate Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 20 points in place of the injured Aaron Gordon, expressed awe at Jokic’s ability to consistently deliver triple-doubles.
Memphis faced a significant challenge, playing without star player Ja Morant, who was sidelined due to illness. Morant’s absence was keenly felt, as the Grizzlies had won all four games since his season debut on December 19. Denver coach Michael Malone acknowledged the advantage of facing a Morant-less Memphis, but also praised his team’s ability to handle the situation effectively.
For the Grizzlies, Desmond Bane led the scoring with 23 points, while Marcus Smart contributed 17. However, Memphis struggled without Morant, dropping to a 6-20 record in games he has missed.
Denver’s Jamal Murray continued his strong form, scoring 23 points and providing nine assists. Murray’s 10 points in the third quarter helped the Nuggets extend their lead significantly, at one point reaching a 32-point advantage.
The game saw a shift early on, with Memphis initially leading by eight. However, Denver orchestrated a commanding 16-0 run between the first and second quarters, establishing a 15-point lead. Despite Memphis closing the gap to four points midway through the second period, the Nuggets responded with an 18-2 run, taking a commanding 65-48 lead at halftime.
Denver’s superiority was evident in their 41-35 outscoring of Memphis in the third quarter and a lead that expanded to as much as 38 points in the fourth.
Upcoming Games
The Grizzlies will look to rebound as they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, riding high on a six-game winning streak, will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on the same night, aiming to continue their impressive run.
