Nikola Jokic delivered another masterclass Friday night, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 157-103 demolition of the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
The 157 points marked the most scored on the road in franchise history and the highest total in an NBA game this season. Denver’s 54-point margin underscored a dominant performance on both ends.
Jokic finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in just 29 1/2 minutes. He shot 10-for-15 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range, scoring 19 points in the first quarter and 24 by halftime.
The three-time MVP controlled the tempo early, forcing Portland to send help and opening clean perimeter looks for teammates. Denver shot 21-for-41 from deep and 55-for-96 overall, good for 57 percent from the floor.
Jamal Murray added 25 points, bouncing back one night after a narrow loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. He connected on 6 of 12 from 3-point range and made all seven free throws.
Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. each contributed 19 points as the Nuggets placed five players in double figures. Christian Braun added 11 points and seven assists, while Cameron Johnson chipped in 15.
Denver led 82-53 at halftime after going 13-for-22 from beyond the arc in the first half. The lead swelled to 55 in the second half as the Nuggets continued to stretch the floor and dominate the glass.
The visitors outrebounded Portland 60-36 and collected 13 offensive boards, creating repeated second-chance opportunities. They also dished 41 assists on 55 made baskets, reflecting sharp ball movement against a scrambling defense.
Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 19 points. Deni Avdija recorded 15 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds but committed six turnovers under consistent pressure.
Portland shot 35-for-86 overall and 15-for-47 from 3-point range. The home side struggled to contain Denver’s two-man actions and transition attack after missed shots.
Matisse Thybulle, sidelined since Oct. 29, returned and finished with five points and three steals. Kris Murray, out since Jan. 5, added one point and one rebound in limited minutes.
Denver improved to 37-21 and remained firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture. Portland fell to 28-30.
The Nuggets host Golden State on Sunday, while the Trail Blazers travel to Phoenix.
