During the Thursday night NBA slate, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 134-117 behind 33 points from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic’s 17th triple-double.
A smile spread across Murray’s face when he was asked if this might be the most confident he has ever been. It wasn’t really necessary to say anything else.
“Jamal, his greatness is on full display,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who campaigned for Murray to be added to the All-Star roster should a replacement be necessary.
As the Nuggets rallied to a 16-0 win in the third quarter, Murray scored 17 points.
“Guys are shooting well,” Murray explained. “Everybody.”
Jokic scored 22 points, made 16 assists and grabbed 14 rebounds as he continued his solid play. As the Nuggets remain unbeaten this season when he reaches the triple-double plateau, the reigning two-time MVP had a triple-double by midway through the third quarter.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets & golden State Warriors Updates
Jokic now averages a triple-double for the season. According to ESPN Stats & Info, this is the latest season in NBA history in which a player 6-foot-11 or taller has averaged a triple-double.
“He’s good at everything,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Literally every time he has the ball, everybody is a threat. Your entire defense has to be engaged.”
A 24-4 home record helps the Nuggets keep pace with the Western Conference leaders. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 18 points and 12 rebounds.
As Golden State hit 19 3-pointers on this night, Stephen Curry scored 28 points and Jordan Poole added 22. In the second quarter, the Warriors built an 11-point lead before losing steam. The team lost to Minnesota in overtime the night before. A 26-26 record is the result for the reigning NBA champions.
“I’m very optimistic we can get it turned around,” Curry said. “But we do have to address certain issues with our team, whether it’s performance issues or whether it’s trying to find the right combinations.”
There were key players missing from both teams. Due to tightness in his right calf, Draymond Green was a late scratch for the Warriors for injury management. Aaron Gordon was unable to play because of a sore ankle.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets & golden State Warriors Updates
Jokic picked up where he left off after being named Western Conference Player of the Month for January. He averaged 24.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 11.3 assists last month.
“There’s a reason he’s a two-time MVP and obviously a front-runner for a third one,” Kerr said.
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