Jamal Murray scored 27 points, and Michael Porter Jr. delivered a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Memphis Grizzlies, 122-110, in an NBA Cup matchup on Tuesday. The win snapped Denver’s two-game losing streak and improved their record to 8-5.
The Nuggets started strong, jumping to a 68-57 lead at halftime. Denver’s defense forced 14 Memphis turnovers in the first half, which translated into 16 points.
Memphis struggled to match Denver’s intensity, allowing the visitors to build a commanding 83-58 lead early in the third quarter.
Christian Braun added 19 points for Denver, while Russell Westbrook posted career’s 200th triple-double with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Denver capitalized on their improved shooting, hitting 48.5% from the field, a stark contrast to their poor shooting performance in Sunday’s loss to Memphis.
For Memphis, Santi Aldama matched his career high with 28 points and added 11 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks.
However, Memphis’s 22 turnovers undermined their efforts, preventing any sustained comeback despite cutting into the lead in the fourth quarter.
Denver’s dominant start in the second half, outscoring Memphis 15-1, proved to be the turning point. Aggressive defense and efficient offense allowed the Nuggets to maintain control, building a cushion large enough to withstand a late push from Memphis.
Memphis showed resilience in the fourth quarter, with Aldama and Scotty Pippen Jr. leading a rally that cut the deficit to 10 points. However, timely contributions from Murray and Porter ensured Denver never lost its grip on the game.
Denver’s balanced attack featured six players scoring in double figures, with contributions from both starters and the bench.
The Nuggets also dominated the glass, grabbing 53 rebounds to Memphis’ 55, including 13 offensive boards that led to second-chance points.
The Grizzlies shot just 23.7% from beyond the arc, hitting only nine of their 38 attempts. In contrast, Denver’s perimeter shooting, while not spectacular, was more effective, with the Nuggets converting 12 of their 36 three-point attempts.
