On Thursday night, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-109 thanks to 25 points from Michael Porter Jr. and another triple-double from Nikola Jokic. The reigning two-time NBA MVP had 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists for his NBA-most 22nd triple-double. Denver is 22-0 when Jokic messes around and drops a triple-double.
With 2:15 left, the Nuggets took a 114-109 lead after Porter hit two 3-pointers and Nikola Jokic made one. During the next three possessions, Cleveland missed shots twice – Mitchell misfired twice – allowing Denver to escape with the victory.
“He’s the MVP,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said of Jokic. “When the MVP goes out and puts up a triple-double, it means a lot. He is a historically great player.”
With the game on the line, Cleveland had chances to win, but Evan Mobley scored 31 points but none in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers were led by Mitchell and Darius Garland who each scored 22 points, while Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 13 rebounds.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Donovan Mitchell & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
“I thought we had him contained until I looked up (at the scoreboard),” Cavs star Donovan Mitchell said. “The bigs did a good but then in the second half he was the aggressor in different ways.”
Mitchell explained: “Look at what he and (Sixers star Joel) Embiid are doing on a nightly basis. It’s next level. It’s impressive and I think it’s going to come down to those two. Hell of a player.”
Denver’s Jamal Murray returned to the lineup after missing six games with a sore right knee. In addition to 16 points, he also had nine assists.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Donovan Mitchell & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Following his signing last week, Reggie Jackson made a 55-foot shot to end the third quarter and pull Denver within 91-89. Following a trade deadline acquisition from the Clippers, Jackson was waived by Charlotte.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
