DENVER — Nikola Jokic made history Friday night, becoming the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, as the Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies 117-109 at Ball Arena. With his performance, Jokic joins the elite company of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.
After starting the game slowly, Jokic finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, achieving his 34th triple-double of the season. His fourth assist came at a pivotal moment, solidifying his historic achievement.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets in scoring with 33 points, while Jamal Murray contributed 15 points in his return from a six-game absence due to a sprained right ankle.
On the Grizzlies’ side, Desmond Bane led his team with 24 points, while Ja Morant added 21. The Grizzlies had a strong start, leading by as many as 15 points in the first half, but were unable to maintain their advantage as the Nuggets clawed back and closed the game with a commanding 14-1 run.
This victory improved the Nuggets’ record to 49-32, further enhancing their playoff standing, while the Grizzlies fell to 47-34.
Highlights and Key Moments
One memorable moment occurred during pregame introductions when Murray’s name was announced for the first time since March 26. Additionally, despite facing a fine for celebrating 3-pointers by pointing at opponents, Morant continued his unique gesture, stating, ‘I’m taking my words and I’m throwing them out there.’
Key Statistics
Notably, the Grizzlies struggled from the three-point line, shooting just 11 of 31 in the first half. Meanwhile, the Nuggets had a dismal 1 of 15 from beyond the arc during the same period. For the game, Memphis finished 14 of 43 from three-point range, while Denver managed only 5 of 24.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will be back in action on Sunday. The Grizzlies will return home to face the Dallas Mavericks, while the Nuggets will travel to Houston to match up against the Rockets, who have already secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
