Jamal Murray notched 32 points, while Nikola Jokic secured his fourth consecutive triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in just three quarters, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 117-96 victory over the undermanned Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Denver avoided a season sweep by Sacramento, rebounding with their fourth straight win since the All-Star break.
Down 47-32 early in the second quarter, Denver mounted an impressive 68-22 run over the next 18:21, establishing a commanding 32-point lead. Jokic achieved his 124th career triple-double by assisting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s corner 3-pointer, extending the lead to 100-68 late in the third quarter. De’Aaron Fox was a late scratch for the Kings due to a left knee contusion, and the NBA triple-double leader, Domantas Sabonis, contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Keegan Murray scored 21 points for the Kings but faced a formidable defensive challenge from the Nuggets. Alex Len added 18 points off the bench for the Kings.
Aaron Gordon capitalized on Jokic’s assists for impactful dunks, finishing with 17 points. Caldwell-Pope, returning after missing two games against the Kings, contributed 18 points, with 11 coming in the third quarter, while Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 14 points. Despite the win, the Nuggets remain two games behind Minnesota for the top seed in the Western Conference.
