Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the Denver Nuggets’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies, by 108:104.
The Nuggets secured their second win of the new NBA season, with Jokic just three assists shy of another triple-double performance.
Under the guidance of head coach Michael Malone, the team started the game strongly against Memphis. Throughout most of the first half, the Nuggets held the advantage, and at halftime, the score was 61-56 in favor of the visiting team.
Jamal Murray largely led the offensive efforts, and Memphis prevented Denver from establishing a double-digit lead.
The third quarter passed without a change in the score, and the largest lead for Denver in the game was seen at 89-79. In the final quarter, Coach Malone tried to distribute playing time evenly among the players, but Memphis managed to reverse the score in the closing moments, making it 98-97.
Jokic then entered the game and quickly regained the lead for his team in the first two possessions, scoring five consecutive points, making it 103-98. In the end, the Denver team managed to secure the win, with a final score of 108-104.
The leading scorers for Denver were Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, each with 22 points, while Reggie Jackson contributed 16 points, and Aaron Gordon added 10 points.
For the Grizzlies, the top performers were Jaren Jackson Jr. with 21 points, Marcus Smart with 20 points, and Derrick Rose who scored 16 points.
Denver won their first game of the season against the Lakers and will face Oklahoma in the next round.