Nikola Jokic puts up triple-double as Nuggets roll past Grizzlies

Field Level Media|published: Thu 28th December, 23:32 2023

Dec 28, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo (18) drives at Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his 11th triple-double of the season, Jamal Murray finished with 23 points and nine assists, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 142-105 on Thursday night.

Peyton Watson scored a career-high 20 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Julian Strawther contributed 12 points each, and Christian Braun added 11 for Denver, which has won a season-high six games in a row despite not having Aaron Gordon, who suffered lacerations on his face and hands resulting from dog bites suffered on Christmas.

Desmond Bane scored 23 points, Marcus Smart had 17 points, David Roddy finished with 15 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 points for Memphis, which played without star guard Ja Morant.

Morant returned from a 25-game suspension to start the season to lead the Grizzlies to four straight wins. He is averaging 28.8 points since his debut on Dec. 19.

Memphis led by eight early in the game but the Nuggets went on a 17-5 run to go ahead 24-20 late in the first quarter. Smart's 10-foot jumper gave the Grizzlies a 27-26 lead but Denver scored the last seven points to go ahead 33-27 after the first quarter.

The Nuggets built on that momentum and scored the first nine points of the second to complete a 16-0 run and lead 42-27 with 9:10 left in the half. The Grizzlies answered with 10 straight points and crept within 45-41 midway through but Denver ended the quarter strong.

Murray and Caldwell-Pope each hit a 3-pointer and a layup, Watson sank two free throws, Michael Porter Jr. drained one from deep, Murray hit another 3-pointer and Jokic's layup gave the Nuggets a 65-48 lead at the half.

Murray opened the third quarter with a floater, Watson and Caldwell-Pope hit 3-pointers and Murray dunked to give Denver a 75-51 lead. The lead grew to 29 after Murray made a technical free throw and Watson made two from the line.

Memphis never got closer than 22 the rest of the way.

—Field Level Media