The Denver Nuggets delivered an offensive avalanche Friday night, routing the Portland Trail Blazers 157-103 for the highest road scoring output in franchise history and the most points in an NBA game this season.
Nikola Jokić led the charge with 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in just under 30 minutes. The two-time MVP dominated early, pouring in 19 points in the first quarter and 24 by halftime while shooting 10 of 15 from the field and 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.
Denver overwhelmed Portland from the start, building an 82-53 halftime lead behind 13-of-22 shooting from 3-point range. The Nuggets finished 21 of 41 from deep and extended the margin to as many as 55 points in the second half.
Jamal Murray added 25 points, bouncing back one night after a missed free throw in a narrow loss to the Clippers. Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 19 points apiece as Denver’s offense fired on all cylinders.
Portland was led by Jrue Holiday with 19 points. Deni Avdija contributed 15 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds but committed six turnovers. Matisse Thybulle returned for the first time since Oct. 29 and finished with five points and three steals, while Kris Murray also made his return to action.
Up next:
The Nuggets host Golden State on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers travel to Phoenix that night.
