Nikola Jokic clinched a season-long triple-double average and Jamal Murray made a successful return as the Denver Nuggets (49-32) rallied to beat the Memphis Grizzlies (47-34) 117-109 on Friday, April 11.
Jokic recorded his 34th triple-double of the season with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, becoming just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. He joined Russell Westbrook (now a teammate in Denver) and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in the historic feat, reaching the mark with his fourth assist of the night.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 33 points, and Murray added 15 in his return from a six-game absence due to a right ankle sprain. Russell Westbrook also contributed with 14 points off the bench.
Denver overcame a 15-point first-half deficit and closed the game on a 14-1 run over the final six minutes to secure the win. The result keeps the Nuggets in strong contention for home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
The win marked Murray's first game action since March 26. Jokic continued his MVP-caliber season, doing a little of everything and providing the spark during Denver's late surge.
Desmond Bane scored 24 points and Ja Morant had 21 for Memphis, which struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 14-of-43 from deep. Denver shot just 5-of-24 from three but dominated late.
Morant, fined earlier this week for celebrating with a controversial gesture, continued his signature “grenade toss” celebration. Memphis led early but couldn’t hold off Denver’s second-half charge.
The Nuggets visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday, while the Grizzlies host the Dallas Mavericks.
