DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic's impressive form continues as he notched his fifth consecutive triple-double, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 132-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Jokic finished the game with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists, highlighting his dominance on the court.
Jokic's achievement not only solidified his status as one of the league's top players but also marked another milestone—14 of his NBA-leading 20 triple-doubles this season have occurred before the fourth quarter. His remarkable performance included 20 points and 20 rebounds by the end of the third quarter, showing his early impact on the game.
The Nuggets took control early, leading by as much as 25 points after Jokic's spectacular three-quarter-court shot at the end of the third. The Kings, under the interim coaching of Doug Christie, attempted to rally back, scoring 14 straight points to reduce the deficit to 110-99 at the start of the final quarter. Despite their efforts, which included Doug McDermott hitting five three-pointers, the Kings could not overcome the early lead.
Domantas Sabonis contributed significantly to Sacramento's efforts, registering 23 points and 19 rebounds, as he continued to be a key player for the Kings alongside DeMar DeRozan, who scored 24 points, and De'Aaron Fox, who added 17. The Kings are now 10-3 since Christie took over as coach, showing improvement and consistency as they push for playoff contention.
The Nuggets were also supported by strong performances from Christian Braun, who scored 21 points, and Michael Porter Jr., who added 20. Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook each contributed 18 points as Denver secured their fourth consecutive victory.
Interestingly, the game remained competitive throughout, especially after the Kings cut the lead to 126-121 late in the fourth quarter after McDermott's three-pointer. Nevertheless, Jokic's clutch free throws down the stretch, combined with Braun's electrifying dunk, helped to seal the victory for Denver.
With this win, Denver continues to bolster their position as contenders within the Western Conference. Coach Michael Malone expressed pride not only in Jokic's performance but also highlighted the team's chemistry, stating, "We know Nikola is the heart of our team, but his success is our success."
Looking forward, the Kings will aim to regroup as they face the New York Knicks this weekend. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will prepare for their upcoming five-game road trip, starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The game was another demonstration of the high-scoring, fast-paced nature typical of NBA interactions, where both teams showcased their attacking prowess. Denver's continued success can be attributed to their cohesive team effort and the offensive brilliance of their star players, particularly Jokic.
Fans can expect more thrilling matchups as the teams head closer to the postseason, with both Denver and Sacramento pushing to solidify their playoff positions.