The Denver Nuggets overcame a late deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 130-129 on Monday night. Jamal Murray’s clutch jumper with 8.6 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Nikola Jokic recorded his NBA-leading 10th triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Russell Westbrook contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists as Denver improved to 14-10.
The Nuggets erased a 10-point deficit in the final four minutes with a 14-3 scoring run. Aaron Gordon’s late 3-pointer cut Sacramento’s lead to one, and Michael Porter Jr.’s steal set up Jokic’s go-ahead bucket.
The lead shifted seven times in the final 75 seconds. DeMar DeRozan’s baseline dunk gave the Kings a one-point edge before Murray answered with the game-winner. DeRozan missed a contested shot inside as time expired, and the Nuggets held on.
Murray led all Denver scorers with 28 points on 11-of-26 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Gordon added 24 points and seven rebounds, while Porter finished with 11 points and 10 boards.
Sacramento (13-14) relied heavily on Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. Sabonis posted 28 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Fox led all scorers with 29 points and dished out seven assists.
Malik Monk provided a spark with 25 points and 10 assists, while Keon Ellis chipped in 12 points off the bench.
Westbrook, starting in place of the injured Christian Braun, played a critical role for Denver. The nine-time All-Star facilitated offense while keeping pressure on Sacramento’s defense.
Denver shot 50% from the field, connecting on 51 of their 102 attempts. They hit 35.7% of their 3-pointers and outrebounded Sacramento 55-42.
The Kings shot 48% overall and drained 12 of their 35 attempts from beyond the arc. Sacramento also made 19 of 20 free throws but couldn’t convert in the closing moments.
Denver’s depth played a key role, with Julian Strawther scoring 13 points off the bench. Peyton Watson added nine points and four rebounds, while Hunter Tyson contributed seven.