CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nicola Jokic delivered a standout performance with 28 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a narrow victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 107-104 on Saturday night. This marked Jokic’s remarkable 22nd triple-double of the season.
Christian Braun contributed significantly to the win with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 20 points. Michael Porter Jr. rounded out the scoring with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets were entering this matchup following a thrilling 137-134 win against the Philadelphia 76ers the previous night.
On the other side, Miles Bridges shone for the Hornets, scoring 24 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, with Mark Williams supporting the effort by adding 20 points and 15 rebounds. However, the Hornets’ struggles continued, marking their fourth consecutive loss.
The game saw Charlotte overcoming a 17-point deficit at one point in the first half, managing to take their first lead at 104-100 with just 51 seconds left, courtesy of consecutive baskets from Bridges.
Key points from the game include that Russell Westbrook was sidelined due to a hamstring strain, which he sustained during a previous game against Philadelphia. Additionally, the Nuggets’ bench had a tough outing, contributing only two points by halftime. The Hornets, meanwhile, were without Lamelo Ball, who missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained left ankle. Further complicating matters for Charlotte, guard Vasilije Micic suffered a non-contact left-ankle injury early in the second half and did not return.
A critical moment in the game occurred when the Hornets lost a challenge regarding a foul by Josh Green on Jokic during a rebound situation while leading 104-103 with just 41 seconds remaining. The foul led to Jokic sinking his free throws, giving Denver a lead they would not relinquish, with Murray contributing a final basket to secure the 107-104 victory. Murray’s presence was felt on the defensive end as well, as he applied pressure on Smith’s missed three-pointer in the game’s closing moments.
Looking ahead, both teams will be back on the court for their next games on Monday night, with the Nuggets set to host the New Orleans Pelicans and the Hornets welcoming the Washington Wizards.
