Jamal Murray’s 32-point performance and Nikola Jokic’s double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds powered the Denver Nuggets to a 122-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. This win marks the Nuggets’ third consecutive triumph, improving their record to 20-10.
Aaron Gordon contributed 18 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 15, bolstering the Nuggets’ offense. Jokic emphasized the importance of setting the tone early in the game and being the aggressor to maintain control.
“The energy we need to start the game right,” Jokic said. “I think we had a 14-7 run (to start the game) and we kind of slowed down a little bit. But (we need to) be the aggressor. We need the one to be the one (controlling) the game.”
Meanwhile, the Nets are experiencing a slump with their fifth straight loss, bringing their record to 13-15. Cam Thomas led Brooklyn with 23 points, followed by Cam Johnson’s 17 points. Dorian Finney-Smith (14 points), Mikal Bridges (14 points), Royce O’Neale (13 points), Day’Ron Sharpe (13 points) all scored in double figures, while Nic Claxton added 16 rebounds.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Brooklyn coach Jacques Vaughn noted the team’s balanced scoring and high assist rate as a positive aspect, despite the loss. Thomas’ four-point play in the closing seconds narrowed the gap to one, highlighting a resilient effort from the Nets.
“It’s a pretty good recipe for us,” Vaughn said. “I think we had 18 assists at (halftime), over 30 to finish the game; seven dudes in double figures.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Murray’s crucial free throws in the final moments, including securing an offensive rebound and drawing a foul, helped secure the Nuggets’ win. He acknowledged the importance of the play in the game’s outcome.
“It worked out,” Murray said.
The Nets played without Ben Simmons and Lonnie Walker IV due to injuries.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to face the Charlotte Hornets, while the Nets will host the Detroit Pistons, with both games scheduled for Saturday night.
