Nikola Jokic’s outstanding performance, with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists, coupled with a season-best 27 points from Michael Porter Jr., propelled the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 123-101 win over the Chicago Bulls, overcoming the loss of point guard Jamal Murray to secure their fourth consecutive home victory.
The defending NBA champions, led by Aaron Gordon’s 15 points and 12 rebounds, showcased their dominance at home, maintaining a perfect record in front of their fans.
The game took an unexpected turn early as Murray left the court after just 8 minutes and 40 seconds of play due to right hamstring tightness.
However, Reggie Jackson stepped up in his absence, contributing 16 points off the bench, matching his season high and helping the Nuggets maintain control of the game.
On the other side, Chicago struggled to find their rhythm, with Nikola Vucevic leading the team with 19 points, DeMar DeRozan contributing 17, and Jalen Carter adding 16. Zach LaVine had a challenging night, managing only 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
The Nuggets’ strong third-quarter performance, marked by a 21-4 run, allowed them to establish a commanding lead, and although the Bulls made efforts to cut the deficit, the Nuggets maintained their grip on the game.
Both teams were coming off their first games in the NBA In-Season Tournament the previous night, and their initial struggles in the first quarter gave way to an exciting and competitive matchup.
