The Denver Nuggets (48-32) snapped a four-game losing streak with a 124-116 win over the Sacramento Kings (44-36) on Wednesday, April 9, powered by Nikola Jokic’s 32nd triple-double of the season in their first game since head coach Michael Malone was fired.
Jokic finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while Christian Braun led all scorers with 25 points. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each added 21 as the Nuggets completed a season sweep of the Kings and moved into a tie with the Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with two games remaining.
David Adelman took over as interim head coach after Denver dismissed Malone, the franchise’s all-time wins leader and the coach who guided the team to its first NBA title in 2023. General manager Calvin Booth was also let go.
Zach LaVine posted 27 points and 11 assists for the Kings, while DeMar DeRozan added 22. Sacramento’s three-game win streak ended, and the team holds the No. 9 spot in the West playoff race.
The Kings made a late push, cutting a 16-point deficit to five with just over two minutes left, but Jalen Pickett hit a jumper and Jokic sank two free throws to help Denver seal the win.
The Nuggets controlled the pace early, closing the first half on a 13-5 run and opening the third quarter with an 18-10 spurt. Denver’s starters combined for 54 of the team’s 66 first-half points.
The Kings host the Clippers on Friday, April 11, while the Nuggets return to Denver to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
