Nikola Jokic recorded his 24th triple-double of the season, and Michael Porter Jr. scored 30 points as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 112-90 on Thursday night. The victory marked Denver’s fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 33-19.
Jokic finished with 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in just 31 minutes. Porter continued his hot streak, hitting 11 of 16 shots, including five three-pointers, for his third straight game with at least 30 points. Christian Braun added 16 points as Denver dominated the second half.
The game was effectively decided in the third quarter when the Nuggets outscored Orlando 33-17. Denver built a comfortable lead, allowing Jokic to rest for the entire fourth quarter. Despite missing Jamal Murray due to left knee inflammation, Denver remained in control.
Orlando struggled offensively, shooting just 36.9% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 19 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 18. Franz Wagner added 14 points but shot 6-of-17 from the floor.
Both teams played the previous night, with Denver routing New Orleans 144-119 and Orlando defeating Sacramento 130-111. The fatigue appeared to affect the Magic more, as they shot just 5-of-31 from beyond the arc and committed 13 turnovers.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope received a tribute video in his return to Denver after two seasons with the Nuggets. The veteran guard, who helped Denver win the 2023 championship, scored seven points for Orlando.
Julian Strawther made his first career start in place of Murray but struggled, finishing with two points on 1-of-8 shooting. Denver’s bench provided solid contributions, with DeAndre Jordan scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds in 12 minutes.
