Nikola Jokic's Triple-Double Powers Nuggets to Victory Over Magic
Denver's star player dominates the court without fourth-quarter play, leading to 113-100 triumph.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Nikola Jokic had another standout performance on Sunday night, guiding the Denver Nuggets to a resounding 113-100 victory over the Orlando Magic. The reigning NBA MVP recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and three blocks, doing so without playing the fourth quarter.
Jokic's impressive stats are indicative of his value to the team, as the Nuggets cruised to their sixth straight road win, showcasing depth and determination even when facing adversity. Christian Braun also had a significant game, contributing 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray chipped in with 19 points, and Michael Porter Jr. added 15 points and six rebounds.
Despite dominant contributions from Jokic and Braun, the Nuggets had to combat their own challenges, posting 20 turnovers and shooting just 28% from beyond the arc, hitting 7-of-25 attempts. It was notable for Jokic, the NBA's second-best three-point shooter this season at 47.1%, did not even attempt a shot from long range.
On the Magic's side, Wendell Carter Jr. led with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Anthony Black came off the bench to contribute 14 points and five assists. The Magic are currently struggling, having lost four of their last five games, missing key players like Jalen Suggs and Goga Bitadze due to injuries. Despite being known as one of the league's best defensive teams, ranked second overall, the Magic have consistently allowed over 100 points, conceding 122, 121, and now 113 points across their past three games.
A pivotal moment during the match came when Murray scored 10 consecutive points during the final stretch of the third quarter, extending the Nuggets' lead from 83-77 to 16 points. Three of these baskets were assisted by Jokic, who ended the third period with his 18th triple-double of the season.
The Nuggets showcased brilliance on the boards, out-rebounding Orlando by 57-40. Interestingly, Orlando holds a 3-15 record when they are out-rebounded during games. This statistic shows how reliant the Magic are on their ability to control the glass, and without their star players, they’ve struggled immensely.
Denver continued to demonstrate their strength, winning six of their last seven games. They displayed resilience and adaptability, especially when their shooting wasn't aligned with their average. Following their matchup with the Magic, the Nuggets are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, hoping to maintain their winning streak.
The upcoming game against Philadelphia will test the Nuggets' consistency and Jokic's prowess as they continue to aim for the top spot in the Western Conference. For the Magic, the challenge remains to find ways to overcome their injury woes and regain their competitive edge with impactful performances from their remaining players.