Nikola Jokic delivered another stellar performance, recording his 19th triple-double of the season, as the Denver Nuggets dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers 144-109 on Tuesday night. This win improved Denver’s record to 27-16, while the 76ers continued their downward spiral with a seventh consecutive loss, dropping to 15-27.
Jokic finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, reaching the triple-double mark late in the third quarter before sitting out the entire fourth. His dominance was complemented by Aaron Gordon’s near-flawless shooting display, as the reserve forward contributed 19 points, going 6-for-7 from the field and hitting all three of his three-point attempts.
The Nuggets controlled the game from the start, tying their season high for points and outscoring Philadelphia 39-7 in fast-break opportunities. Denver shot an impressive 61.2% from the field, including 51.6% from beyond the arc, with six players scoring in double figures. Julian Strawther added 23 points off the bench, further boosting the team’s offensive firepower.
Tyrese Maxey led the shorthanded 76ers with 28 points and 10 assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to keep the team competitive. Philadelphia played without Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with swelling in his left knee. The absence of Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, marked the continuation of his streak of not playing in Denver since 2019.
Philadelphia’s roster also saw the return of Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Guerschon Yabusele from injuries. George managed 11 points and nine assists, while Yabusele contributed 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Denver’s relentless pace and efficiency.
Denver’s starting lineup excelled, with Christian Braun tallying 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. adding 19. Jamal Murray contributed nine points and seven assists, while Russell Westbrook chipped in with 11 points and nine assists. The Nuggets’ bench also made a significant impact, highlighted by Gordon’s efficiency and Strawther’s scoring burst.
For the 76ers, the lack of interior defense was evident as Denver repeatedly exploited mismatches and scored at will. The team’s shooting woes also persisted, as Philadelphia managed just 39.5% from three-point range despite hitting 15 triples.