Nikola Jokic recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets rallied to beat the Chicago Bulls 133-128 in a high-scoring preseason game at Ball Arena on Sunday, October 11.
Aaron Gordon led Denver with 25 points, while Cameron Johnson added 15 as the Nuggets improved to 2-1 in the preseason. Denver outscored Chicago 40-26 in the third quarter to take control after trailing by nine points at halftime.
The Bulls entered the break with a 68-59 advantage after scoring 41 points in the second quarter. Chicago shot 51% from the field and made 21 three-pointers overall, keeping pressure on Denver throughout the contest.
Leonard Miller was a major contributor for Chicago off the bench, finishing with 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers. Caleb Wilson added 17 points and five assists, while Matas Buzelis recorded 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Denver began its comeback in the third quarter, with Gordon providing a major scoring boost. He made a three-pointer early in the period before adding free throws and a driving dunk. Jokic continued to facilitate the offense, helping Cameron Johnson and Jamal Murray find scoring opportunities as the Nuggets erased the deficit.
Gordon’s three-pointer with 7:02 remaining in the third put Denver back in front, and the Nuggets continued to build their advantage. Johnson connected from beyond the arc, while Murray added a three-pointer later in the quarter. Denver entered the fourth ahead 99-94 after scoring 40 points in the period.
The Nuggets maintained their lead through the final quarter, although Chicago kept the game competitive. Julian Strawther hit two three-pointers early in the period, helping Denver preserve its advantage as Jordan Hawkins responded with consecutive shots from long range for the Bulls.
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Jokic finished with an efficient 8-of-12 shooting performance and went 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. Gordon shot 9-of-12 from the field, made three of his four three-point attempts and added six rebounds. Johnson contributed four three-pointers on five attempts, while Murray finished with 13 points and five assists.
Strawther scored 13 points off the bench, and Holmes added 11 points and five rebounds. Denver shot 51% from the field and made 13 of 32 three-pointers, while Chicago finished at 51% overall and 42% from beyond the arc.
