DENVER, January 19 ------ Nikola Jokic had 36 points as part of his 13th triple-double of the season to offset a 44-point performance from Damian Lillard, and the Denver Nuggets won their 14th straight home game by topping the Portland Trail Blazers, 122-113, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).
Jokic, who was 13 of 14 from the floor, finished with 12 rebounds and 10 assists. The Nuggets improved to 13-0 this season when the two-time reigning NBA MVP records a triple-double.
The Nuggets were without head coach Michael Malone, who missed the game after entering the league's health and safety protocols. Acting coach David Adelman stepped in and the Western Conference-leading Nuggets didn't miss a beat. It was a game that, at times, turned into the Jokic vs. Lillard Show. This was Lillard's 214th career game with 30 or more points.
Michael Porter Jr. had 23 points and Jamal Murray added 17 for Denver, which improved to 20-3 at home as a capacity crowd braved a snowstorm that was starting to hit the city. The Trail Blazers dropped their eighth straight road game.
Denver led by 13 points in the fourth quarter, but saw the Blazers slice into the lead. A Bruce Brown dunk helped spark another run by the Nuggets. This time, there was no need for any late-game theatrics by Jokic, who hit a last-second, game-winning 3-pointer against Orlando on Sunday. Lillard had a big first half with 30 points. He's no stranger to turning in a big half against Denver. He had 32 points in the second half against the Nuggets on Dec. 8.
Source: spin.ph
Comments