DENVER — Jamal Murray delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a career-best 55 points, while Nikola Jokic recorded his 25th triple-double of the season, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 132-121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. This win marks the Nuggets’ eighth consecutive victory.
Murray’s shooting was impressive, hitting 20 of 36 attempts, including seven shots from beyond the arc. His 55-point game ranks as the third-highest in the history of the franchise, following only David Thompson’s remarkable 73-point game on April 9, 1978, and Jokic’s own 56-point night on December 7. In ABA records, Spencer Haywood of the then-Rockets scored 59 points back on April 15, 1970.
Jokic contributed significantly with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around skill set on a night that also celebrated Serbian Heritage, complete with the distribution of his bobblehead.
The Nuggets initially led the game by 23 points but allowed Portland to narrow the gap to single digits late in the contest, which marked the second matchup between the teams in Denver within three nights; the Nuggets had previously triumphed 146-117 on Monday.
Anfernee Simons was the top scorer for the Trail Blazers with 26 points, while teammate Donovan Clingan contributed 17 points and an impressive 20 rebounds. However, Portland faced challenges with their lineup, missing Deandre Ayton (strained calf), Scoot Henderson (sprained ankle), and Jerami Grant (sore knee).
In terms of notable updates, Ayton’s left calf strain is scheduled for reevaluation in a month. Meanwhile, the Nuggets were without several key players, including Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring), Aaron Gordon (calf), Peyton Watson (knee), and Russell Westbrook (hamstring).
A critical moment in the game occurred when Murray missed a free throw just before halftime, but Jokic made a timely effort to grab the rebound and score, extending the Nuggets’ lead to 75-56.
In the statistics department, Denver recorded seven blocked shots, with Zeke Nnaji leading the defense with four blocks.
Following the All-Star break, both teams are set to return to action on February 20. The Nuggets will play against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Trail Blazers will take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
