Nikola Jokic recorded his 22nd triple-double of the season, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 107-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. The two-time MVP finished with 28 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds as Denver improved to 30-19.
Christian Braun contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 20 points. Michael Porter Jr. recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Mark Williams posted 20 points and 15 boards. The Hornets (12-34) suffered their fourth straight loss.
Denver dominated early, building a 17-point lead in the first half. However, Charlotte responded and grabbed a 104-100 advantage with 51 seconds left after two straight baskets from Bridges.
Jokic drew a foul on a rebound attempt with 41 seconds remaining, leading to a successful challenge by Denver. His free throws put the Nuggets ahead 105-104. Murray then extended the lead with a jump shot, and his defense on the final possession forced Nick Smith Jr.’s three-point attempt to miss.
Denver played without Russell Westbrook, who sat out due to a hamstring strain suffered in Philadelphia. The Nuggets’ bench struggled, managing just two points in the first half.
LaMelo Ball missed his third consecutive game for Charlotte with a left ankle sprain. Vasilije Micic exited early in the second half after suffering a non-contact left ankle injury and did not return.
The Nuggets shot 46.6% from the field despite making just 18.9% of their three-point attempts. The Hornets outrebounded Denver 51-43 but committed 12 turnovers.
