Nikola Jokic guided the Denver Nuggets to a 120-108 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his exceptional skills with 27 points, 22 rebounds, and 12 assists in Friday’s NBA action. This remarkable performance marked his 15th triple-double of the season, highlighting his renewed energy and expertise.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone acknowledged the tendency to take Jokic’s brilliance for granted and urged fans and players to appreciate every opportunity to watch him play. Malone emphasized the rarity of a player like Jokic and reminded everyone of the pre-Jokic era, cautioning against overlooking the transformative impact he has had on the team.
Jamal Murray nearly matched Jokic’s triple-double feat, making a significant contribution with 13 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Peyton Watson played a crucial role, particularly with two key fourth-quarter 3-pointers, earning praise from Jokic as the X-factor in the game.
Watson’s performance was pivotal, scoring 14 points, 10 of which came in the final quarter, aiding Denver in securing their 20th home win. The team’s collective effort was evident, with seven Nuggets players reaching double figures in scoring, including Aaron Gordon’s 18-point contribution.
At the season’s midpoint, the Nuggets maintained a record of 34-16, matching their previous season’s performance, setting the stage for their pursuit of an NBA championship. Jokic emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive spirit post-championship victory, expressing satisfaction with their continued desire to improve and compete at a high level.
Despite missing key players Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers demonstrated resilience, with Scoot Henderson scoring 30 points and Anfernee Simons adding 29 points. Henderson emphasized the team’s competitive mindset and effort against Denver, stating that they fought hard and approached the game with a winning mentality.
Denver’s victory was not only about scoring but also featured unique plays, including Jokic’s volleyball-like tip passes and a noteworthy dunk from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sparked by a long pass from Jokic. These moments underscored Jokic’s vision and creativity on the court, earning appreciation from his teammates.
As both teams prepare for their next encounter at Ball Arena, the focus remains on acknowledging Jokic’s impact on the game, with both teams recognizing the challenge of facing Denver when Jokic is in top form.
