DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic marked his return to the lineup in impressive fashion, notching 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets secured a decisive 124-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The game showcased Jokic’s 145th career triple-double, a remarkable feat considering he had missed Denver’s previous two matchups due to illness.
Russell Westbrook also delivered a standout performance for the Nuggets, recording 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. This game marked Westbrook’s 202nd career triple-double. Notably, it was the second time this season that both Jokic and Westbrook achieved triple-doubles in the same game. The NBA made history by acknowledging them as the first teammates ever to accomplish this multiple times in a single season. Westbrook currently holds the record for the most career NBA triple-doubles, with Jokic trailing in third place behind Oscar Robertson.
Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons made his return to the court after missing action since January 1st, contributing 10 points and six assists to the Nets’ effort. Despite Simmons’ return, Brooklyn struggled, suffering their fourth consecutive loss and their 12th defeat in the last 15 games. Keon Johnson led the Nets with 22 points, followed by Tyrese Martin with 19 points.
The game’s turning point came when the Nuggets seized the lead late in the second quarter and then dominated the start of the second half with a 25-9 run, establishing a commanding 90-68 lead. Although the Nets managed to narrow the gap to 97-92, Denver ultimately pulled away to secure the win.
In terms of player availability, the Nets faced challenges as they played with only eight players during their previous game against Detroit. While Simmons returned, both Cam Johnson (right ankle sprain) and D’Angelo Russell (right shin contusion) remained sidelined. On the Nuggets’ side, Jamal Murray was absent for the second half due to right knee soreness.
A crucial moment in the game occurred when Johnson sank a corner 3-pointer, bringing the Nets within six points at 101-95. However, Denver responded decisively, embarking on a 16-5 run to extend their lead to 117-100 with just under three minutes remaining.
One notable statistic from the game highlighted the Nuggets’ improvement in ball security, as they committed nine turnovers within the first two minutes and nine seconds of the second quarter, but only five turnovers in the remaining 35 minutes and 51 seconds of play.
Looking ahead, the Nets will continue their six-game road trip with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are set to face the Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back games, with the first game scheduled for Sunday.
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