The Denver Nuggets were able to take care of business in this game behind a dominant Nikola Jokic performance, as they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-103 at Ball Arena.
Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon did not play in this game, but that didn’t matter as the Joker finished this game with 29 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Christian Braun scored 17 points on 80% shooting while Reggie Jackson had 15 points with 8 assists. Michael Porter Jr. hit 3 triples and ended with 11 total points.
Lamar Stevens came off the bench and scored a team-high 19 points on 6/10 shooting. Scotty Pippen Jr. had 17 points with 3 makes from behind the arc while Desmond Bane scored 15 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks while GG Jackson ended with 15 points.
Denver improves to 51-21 with this win and now hold a 1 game lead over OKC. This was a huge victory for the Nuggets as they slowly increase the gap between them and the rest of the West. The reigning defending champs would love to have home court advantage due to the altitude in the Mile High City.
They are 9-1 over their last 10 games and currently on a 4-game winning streak. Their next matchup will be against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
Memphis drops to 24-48 with this loss and increase their odds at a top pick in the lottery. They will be a scary team next season with their new additions joining their core of Ja, JJJ, and Bane. The Grizzlies are 3-7 over their last 10 games and will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.