Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a record-setting 157-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, delivering 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in just under 30 minutes.
“Yeah, definitely. We had a really good game. Everybody was set up. Everybody played with a lot of energy,” Jokic said after the contest. “Defense was really on a high high note, high level. Everybody were locking. We were making shots. We had a good start. Like it was a perfect game for us.”
The three-time MVP scored 19 points in the first quarter and 24 by halftime, setting the tone early and forcing Portland to collapse defensively. “I made like little mid-range shot and felt it good and I made couple threes and just felt it good. From that moment I just keep being aggressive,” Jokic explained.
Denver’s 157 points marked the most by any NBA team this season and the highest road total in franchise history. The Nuggets shot 55-for-96 overall and 21-for-41 from three, emphasizing ball movement and spacing.
Jokic credited the team’s shared effort for the offensive output. “We were creating open looks. The ball was going in that you feel confident and you were just going to make shots. We were playing for each other out there and everybody was making extra pass to make a perfect shot. Uh, and we were making it.”
Jamal Murray added 25 points, including six threes, while Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. each contributed 19 points. Christian Braun recorded 11 points and seven assists as Denver placed five players in double figures. The Nuggets outrebounded Portland 60-36 and recorded 41 assists, showcasing dominance on both ends of the floor.
Portland’s Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 19 points, and Deni Avdija posted 15 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, but the home side struggled under consistent pressure. Matisse Thybulle returned from a long absence to record five points and three steals, while Kris Murray added one point in limited minutes.
The Nuggets improve to 37-21 and remain in firm control of a playoff position in the Western Conference, while Portland drops to 28-30. Denver will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and the Trail Blazers travel to Phoenix.
