Nikola Jokić's Historic Game Amazes NBA Fans as Nuggets Beat Wizards
Feb 23, 2024
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 22: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 22, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nikola Jokić had a night to remember.
The two-time NBA MVP delivered a historic performance to help the Denver Nuggets earn a 130-110 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Jokić imposed his will on a Wizards front court that didn't possess the size to bother him defensively, dominating in all facets of the game.
By the end of the evening, he finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds to go with 15 assists. He also connected on all 10 of his field-goal attempts to become the first player in over 40 seasons to put up at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists while shooting 100 percent from the field, per StatMuse.
By recording a triple-double against the Wizards, Jokić officially accomplished the feat against every NBA team that he's faced in his career. He joined LeBron James and Russell Westbrook as the only players in the league's history to do so, per the NBA.
X users were impressed by his extremely efficient game.
Jokic finds out that he's had a triple-double against every team in the NBA but the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/zjt9zDohUC
Jokić also received some help from the rest of the starting lineup, as Michael Porter Jr. scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on 9-of-16 shooting. Jamal Murray dropped 18 points and dished out eight assists, shooting 52.9 percent on his 17 shot attempts.
The Nuggets moved to 37-19 after the victory and sit 2.5 games out of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Video: Nikola Jokić Jokes Luka Dončić Can Join Nuggets if He 'Gets Pissed' with Mavs
Feb 20, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 17: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Western Conference talks to Luka Doncic #77 of the Western Conference during the NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
While there has already been speculation about Luka Dončić's long-term future with the Dallas Mavericks, Nikola Jokić has extended an offer for him to join the Denver Nuggets.
During NBA All-Star Weekend, the two-time NBA MVP joked Dončić can come play for the reigning champs if he "gets pissed" with the Mavs.
To be clear, this is Jokić continuing to throw darts at his buddy, it's not a serious answer. Of course he would love to play with his friend. https://t.co/iqbxyxlg5Q
Even though Jokić was joking, there is a very-real scenario in which Dončić could seek a way out of Dallas. The organization has already mortgaged a lot of its future on a series of trades that don't leave it with a lot of options going forward.
B/R's Dan Favale panned the Mavs' trade-deadline acquisition of P.J. Washington because of what it cost them going back to the offseason acquisition of Grant Williams, who was dealt to the Charlotte Hornets in that deal.
"Dating back to the sign-and-trade transaction that landed them Williams this past offseason, the Mavericks have now turned a 2027 first-rounder and an unprotected 2030 first-round swap into...P.J. Washington," Favale wrote.
If you want to go back even further, the original mistake that set all of these subsequent deals in motion was not signing Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $55.5 million extension midway through the 2021-22 that he reportedly would have signed.
The Mavs subsequently traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and three draft picks, including an unprotected pick in 2029, to the Brooklyn Nets for Kyrie Irving, who was in the final season of his contract, in February 2023.
Irving signed a three-year, $120 million deal to remain in Dallas last summer.
At the end of last season, ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted there was a "fear" within the Mavericks organization that Dončić could request a trade as soon as the summer of 2024 if the team didn't make significant progress.
MacMahon also pointed out Dončić publicly and privately expressed his frustration with where the Mavericks were at least season.
Dallas has been better this season, though it still doesn't look like a title contender. The team's 32-23 record at the All-Star break ranks seventh in the Western Conference, but its only one game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 5 spot.
If Dončić finds himself in a position where he does want out of Dallas in the near-future, the Nuggets could be in need of a point guard after next season. Jamal Murray's current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
It would seem highly unlikely
George Karl Responds to Carmelo Anthony's Video on Nuggets Tenure: 'U Were Overrated'
Feb 16, 2024
DENVER - APRIL 28: Carmelo Anthony #15 and head coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets sit and talk during a time out against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2008 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
It's safe to say that time hasn't healed old wounds between Carmelo Anthony and George Karl.
On the latest episode of the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Anthony recalled the moment he knew things weren't going to work out with him and Karl was on the "first day he got the job" as head coach of the Denver Nuggets:
"He got the job a couple days before we played [the] Milwaukee Bucks so the whole thing was I'm not coaching no game. My first game I want to be against the Milwaukee Bucks…I really don't know the game when he came to the team. I'm 21 now. All I know is I got a big name coach coming. George Karl, coached Milwaukee, coached Seattle…you know all of that. We get to Milwaukee after shoot around [he] called me to his room and he tell me, hey man I think you [are] overrated."
Karl responded to Anthony's criticism on X, writing "u were overrated".
Hey @carmeloanthony let’s not do this. You’re telling stories that are 20 years old. Let’s move fwd 💪
And u were overrated and u wish your game was as efficient as Detlef’s. 😆
Karl did include a laughing emoji after his comment about Anthony being overrated and not as efficient as Detlef Schrempf, so it's certainly possible he was trying to make a joke.
But there is a history between these two that leaves a lot of things open to interpretation. In an excerpt from his 2016 memoir published by David Marchese of The Intelligencer, Karl started out by calling Anthony "the best offensive player I've ever coached" before lamenting there were "too many times" when things happening "off the court was more important than what was happening on the court."
Karl was also critical of comments Anthony made about the Nuggets being "petty" when they gave the No. 15 to Nikola Jokić, but he also praised the 10-time All-Star for "saving pro hoops in Denver."
Melo saved pro hoops in Denver. And he shouldn’t have demanded a trade.
But the Nuggets can be petty. And multiple number 15s can hang in the Denver rafters. Happens all the time.
The Nuggets hired Karl as their head coach before the 2004-05 season going into Anthony's second year in the NBA. The pairing worked because Denver made the postseason in six consecutive seasons, including advancing to the Western Conference Finals in the 2008-09 campaign.
After Anthony requested a trade before the 2010-11 season, the Nuggets eventually dealt him to the New York Knicks midway through the year.
Karl remained with the Nuggets through the 2012-13 season. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for that season after leading the team to a 57-25 record, but he was fired in June 2013.
Anthony played 11 more seasons after being traded by the Nuggets. He had stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in May 2023.
Aaron Gordon Says Nuggets Only Having 1 2024 NBA All-Star 'Doesn't Make Any Sense'
Feb 15, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 12: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 12, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets only have one All-Star Game representative in two-time regular season MVP Nikola Jokić, and forward Aaron Gordon believes it "doesn't make any sense" for that to be the case.
Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets only having one player at All-Star Weekend: "I don't know why that is. Not entirely sure. That's a mystery to me. Doesn't make any sense."
Jokić, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, is starting at center for the Western Conference in this year's All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday in Indianapolis.
It's clear why Gordon feels that the Nuggets should have more All-Star representatives. They are the defending champions, after all, and have followed that up with a respectable 36-19 record (fourth in the Western Conference). And of course, Gordon is going to defend the talent of himself and his teammates.
The issue is that the West is loaded with superstar talent, and it's hard to argue for any Nuggets to get in over anyone who made the roster. Huge names like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard aren't even in the starting lineup. The West has two representatives (Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards) from its top team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And then you have two other superstars in sharpshooter Devin Booker and now nine-time All-Star Paul George.
Simply put, as good as players like Jamal Murray, Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. can be, on an individual basis, they probably aren't on the same level as any of those reserves.
Of course, at the end of the day, team accolades matter a lot more than individual ones, and those aforementioned three still played crucial roles in landing Denver its first-ever NBA title, with relative ease no less.
Nikola Jokić Leads NBA MVP Race over Gilgeous-Alexander in Updated ESPN Straw Poll
Feb 13, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on February 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokić is well on his way to winning his third MVP award, and he leads the way in ESPN's latest NBA MVP straw poll.
Jokić topped the likes of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid was long considered a top candidate for the MVP award, but he remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery and it's unclear when he might return.
Embiid has already been ruled out of the running for the MVP honor as he won't hit the 65-game minimum to qualify for the award.
Here's a look at the results of ESPN's latest MVP straw poll:
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
2. Shai Gilegous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
4. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
5. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
7. Jaylen Brunson, New York Knicks
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
T11. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
T11. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Had Embiid remained healthy, it's possible he would be the frontrunner for the MVP award.
The 29-year-old, who won the MVP last season, was putting together a career year before hitting the shelf, averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in 34 games while shooting 53.3 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from deep.
With Embiid out of the running, Jokić is the clear frontrunner for the MVP as he again has the Nuggets in contention for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Denver sits just 1.5 games back of first place with a 36-18 record.
Jokić is averaging 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 52 games while shooting 58.2 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from deep.
The two-time MVP would join Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone with three MVP awards if he wins the honor this year.
It's hard to imagine Gilgeous-Alexander leapfrogging Jokić for the honor, but he's still having an incredible season for the Thunder, which sit second in the Western Conference with a 36-17 record.
The 25-year-old is averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 52 games while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep. It marks his second straight season averaging at least 31 points.
Antetokounmpo, who is also a two-time MVP, remains in the conversation amid another 30-plus point per game season, but the Bucks have struggled on defense this year despite sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-19 record.
The 29-year-old is averaging 30.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 52 games while shooting 61.1 percent from the floor and 25.0 percent from deep.
There's still plenty of season left for each player to make his MVP case, but trying to take down Jokić could be a tough ask.
LeBron James, Lakers Roasted by Fans for Loss to Jokić, Nuggets on Kobe Statue Night
Feb 9, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on Feburary 8, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
In a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Finals, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by the final score of 114-106.
The star duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray torched Los Angeles late in the fourth quarter, routinely making plays for themselves as well as finding open teammates. Murray finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists while shooting 12-25 from the field. This included a game-high five three-pointers.
Although Jokic didn't have his most efficient night, he still flirted with a triple-double by grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out nine assists to go along with his 24 points. He was also strong defensively, recording a team-best three blocks.
LeBron James had a strong all-around performance for most of the game, finishing with 25 points and seven assists. However, he shot just 2-6 from behind the arc while a late turnover and a missed running bank shot hurt the Lakers' chances of pulling out a close win.
Fans were disappointed in the loss, which came on the same night that the team unveiled a statue to honor the legendary Kobe Bryant.
For Kobe. For the die-hard Laker fans. For our family.
So in subsequent weeks, when nationally they’ll incessantly talk about whatever the Lakers are doing, just be sure to compare them to their actual contemporaries, of which the #Nuggets aren’t one — they are on a level the Lakers can’t get to.
The Nuggets entered a tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with the win, while the Lakers fell to 27-26 on the season. Los Angeles currently owns the No. 9 seed in the West.
The Lakers will continue their brief three-game home stand on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nikola Jokic Amazes NBA Fans in Duel with Tatum as Nuggets Snap Celtics' Win Streak
Jan 20, 2024
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to get away from Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at TD Garden on January 19, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
You can trust Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić to be clutch when it counts.
Jokić dominated early Friday night to help the Denver Nuggets to a 102-100 victory over Jayson Tatum and the host Boston Celtics.
It was the Celtics' first home loss of the season, breaking a home win streak that spanned 27 games dating back to last season.
Jokić impressed Nuggets fans early with 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists through the first three quarters of Friday night's win.
He finished the night with 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting, as well as 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Really can’t stop jokic man all you gotta do is to score more than him
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) January 20, 2024
Jokić was part of a one-two Nuggets punch alongside Jamal Murray, who recorded 35 points, eight rebounds and five assists while shooting 71 percent from the field.
Tatum disasterclass + Jokic/Murray masterclass on National TV to stop an undefeated home streak this is my championship
Tatum and the Celtics won't get the chance to get back into the win column at home until January 27, when Boston faces the LA Clippers at TD Garden.
Meanwhile Jokic and the Nuggets continue their road trip Sunday with a visit to the Washington Wizards.
Nuggets' Nikola Jokić Responds to Carmelo Anthony: Been Wearing No. 15 My Whole Life
Jan 13, 2024
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 12, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokić spoke Saturday on why he wears jersey No. 15 after former Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony expressed his displeasure with it this week.
While speaking to reporters, Jokić mentioned some of the previous teams with which he wore No. 15 before saying, "I think I've been wearing 15 my whole life."
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic On @carmeloanthony's Comments on Number 15:
When asked did he knew that someone had worn the number 15 before Joker replied, "Of course, he [Carmelo Anthony] was a great player."… pic.twitter.com/U3Yr4k2ItD
Jokić was then asked if he was aware of who wore No. 15 in Denver before him, and he responded, "Of course, he [Anthony] was a great player."
During an appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast (h/t KDVR's Karl Rasmussen) this week, Anthony talked about the situation and why he felt the Nuggets were disrespecting him by giving Jokić No. 15:
"It was a petty maneuver. It wasn't like, 'Oh, we've got numbers to choose from.' It was like, 'Here, take this one, you got 15.' And y'all put Jokić in the middle of that. He don't know what the f--k going on.
"He could've been trying to pay homage, I don't know. … But what I believe, is that they gave him No. 15 to try to erase what I did."
The Nuggets made Melo the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, and he went on to establish himself as one of the best players in franchise history over his eight seasons with the team.
Anthony was a four-time All-Star in Denver, and he averaged 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest in 564 regular-season games for the Nuggets.
The one thing that eluded Anthony during his time in Denver was playoff success, as he experienced six first-round exits and never reached the NBA Finals.
Denver traded Anthony to the New York Knicks during the 2010-11, and he went on to secure six more All-Star selections, plus he won the scoring title in 2012-13.
Jokić was a second-round pick by the Nuggets in 2014, and he made his NBA debut at the start of the 2015-16 season.
Given where he was drafted, Jokić was not viewed as a surefire star when he joined the NBA, but he blossomed into one, and is likely to be an All-Star for the sixth consecutive year this season.
Jokić was also named NBA MVP in both 2021 and 2022, and he led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship last season, winning NBA Finals MVP honors in the process.
Given all he has accomplished, it is difficult to argue against the notion that Jokić is already the greatest player in Nuggets history.
Anthony is blaming the Nuggets organization rather than Jokić for his jersey number getting handed out, but Jokić doesn't seem to believe that the decision was made with any malicious intent.
Carmelo Anthony: Nuggets Gave Nikola Jokić No. 15 Jersey to 'Try to Erase What I Did'
Jan 11, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: Former New York Knick Carmelo Anthony during the third quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony believes the Denver Nuggets had an ulterior motive when they gave No. 15 to Nikola Jokić.
During an appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn, presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, Anthony called giving Jokić the same jersey number he wore in Denver "a petty maneuver. It wasn't like, 'oh, we got numbers to choose from.' It was like, 'here, you got 15.'
He continued, saying, "Y'all put Jokić in the middle of that. He don't know what the f--k is going on. … He could have worn it because he wanted to pay homage, but what I believe is that they gave him 15 to try to erase what I did."
Jokić is now the face of the franchise, which Anthony recognized.
"When you think of 15 in Denver now, to this generation, you [think the] Joker," he said. "And there's nothing towards that. It's just, it was two different generations. So that just goes to show me that y'all [The Nuggets] not past that moment. This is 2010. This is 13 years ago. So if you are, you are holding on to something that was 13 years ago."
The Nuggets selected Anthony with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 draft, and he played there until the middle of his eighth season in the league when they traded him to the New York Knicks. He was a six-time All-Star who averaged 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during his time with the organization.
He also led Denver to the playoffs in each of his seasons, including the 2009 run to the Western Conference Finals.
Perhaps the Nuggets could have retired his number, but he also pushed his way out when he requested a trade. And the Denver fans still booed him years later after the trade even when he was no longer on the Knicks.
It wasn't exactly the cleanest of breakups.
And now Jokić has done what Anthony was unable to do with the Nuggets and won a championship and two MVP awards. He is building a legacy that will likely end with him being remembered as the best player in franchise history.
Still, even the most optimistic Denver fans couldn't have foreseen this happening with the big man.
After all, he was a second-round pick who was famously drafted when a Taco Bell commercial was airing during the broadcast. That was also the 2014 draft, which was three years after the Nuggets traded Anthony.
It's not as if Denver immediately brought in a star and insisted he wore No. 15. Jokić was an afterthought of the 2014 draft at the time and was far from a lock to make people forget who wore the number before him.
Alas, Anthony feels like the Nuggets wanted to make a statement.
Nuggets' Nikola Jokić: 'I Just Knew I Was Going to Bank' Game-Winner vs. Warriors
Jan 5, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 4: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets smiles after the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 4, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić had no doubt his last-second three-pointer was going to go in and give the reigning NBA champs a victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jokić said he "just knew I was going to bank it" in because there was no other option for him on the play.
"That was the last option with that play," he explained. "I just took a shot. I think those shots are the easiest shots to take. You don't have any other options. So actually, when I felt it, I thought, 'Oh, I'm going to bank this.' You can see the flight of the ball, and I just knew I was going to bank it."
The Warriors entered the fourth quarter seemingly on their way to a fairly smooth victory. They led 107-94 when the final period began and extended that advantage to 18 points after an Andrew Wiggins step-back jumper with 6:51 remaining.
Denver finished the game on a 25-4 run after that point. Jokić scored or assisted on 11 points during that stretch. He was the safety valve on the final play, which was initially set up with Jamal Murray as the first read and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the second option for Aaron Gordon's inbounds pass.
When neither player was open, Jokić got the ball and was able to create enough space while getting within range to take a shot before the buzzer sounded. It went in the basket to cap off a night in which he finished one assist shy of a triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Golden State's offense went ice-cold over the final 12 minutes. It scored at least 30 points in each of the first three quarters, including 44 in the third. The fourth quarter saw the Warriors put up just 20 points.
Stephen Curry dropped 30 points overall, but his only scoring during the Nuggets' run was two free throws with 3:13 left to play. His final offensive play was a bad pass that Murray stole to set up Jokić's game-winner.
Since losing a season-high three straight games from Dec. 2-8, the Nuggets have won 11 of their last 13 games. Their 25-11 record is 1.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Denver will play the second night of a back-to-back on Friday when it hosts the Orlando Magic at Ball Arena.
