In a tightly contested matchup on Friday night, the Denver Nuggets (49-32) fought back from a 15-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies (47-34) 117-109, securing a crucial victory in their push for home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs. Aaron Gordon was the star of the night, pouring in 33 points to lead Denver to a come-from-behind win.
Nikola Jokic, fresh off becoming the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, had another impressive showing. The reigning MVP finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his 34th triple-double of the season. Jokic now joins Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson in the exclusive club of players to average a triple-double for a season.
Jamal Murray made his long-awaited return after missing six games due to a sprained right ankle. Murray’s presence on the floor proved invaluable, as he contributed 15 points, hitting several clutch shots in the fourth quarter to help Denver close the game strong.
The Grizzlies got off to a hot start, leading by as many as 15 points in the first half. However, the Nuggets slowly chipped away at Memphis’ lead, outscoring them 39-36 in the third quarter and finishing the game with a 14-1 run over the final six minutes.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 24 points, while Ja Morant added 21 in a losing effort. The Grizzlies struggled with their three-point shooting, finishing just 14-of-43 from beyond the arc. Memphis also struggled defensively in the fourth quarter, unable to contain Denver’s offensive surge.
Westbrook came up big for the Nuggets, adding 14 points off the bench. His scoring, alongside Gordon’s dominance, helped Denver secure the win.
The Nuggets’ overall shooting efficiency was a key factor in their victory, as they finished shooting 48.4% from the field compared to Memphis’ 45.1%.
The victory moves the Nuggets to 49-32, as they continue their bid for a top-four seed in the Western Conference, while the Grizzlies drop to 47-34.
