In a stellar performance during Sunday’s NBA action, Nikola Jokic scored 42 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out eight assists, leading the Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions, to a 113-104 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Jokic’s efficiency was remarkable, shooting 15-20 from the field and sinking 12-14 from the free-throw line while contributing three blocked shots. Nuggets coach Mike Malone praised Jokic’s exceptional play, highlighting his status as a top-tier player.
“Nikola was phenomenal tonight from beginning to end,” Malone said. “He continues to illustrate why he’s the player that he is.”
Supporting Jokic, Jamal Murray had a strong game with 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points and six rebounds. Aaron Gordon also played a key role with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Tyus Jones of the Wizards recognized the challenge of facing Jokic, especially with his synergy with Jamal Murray and his unselfish playstyle.
”It’s tough. They do a great job playing off of him. They’ve got shooting, they’ve got great athletes,” Jones said of Jokic. “Him and Jamal are a great one-two tandem, so it provides a great challenge. It’s super unique, and he’s just extremely unselfish, and I think that that’s what really makes it so hard to stop.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards Updates
Returning to the Wizards’ starting lineup after recovering from a concussion, Daniel Gafford contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. His team welcomed his return, with Jones noting his significant impact in the paint.
“It was good having Gaff back,” Jones said. “Obviously, his presence in the paint is huge for us. Just his fight, his grit, is big for us.”
Marvin Bagley III and Landry Shamet each added 14 points and seven rebounds for Washington. Despite the Wizards’ four-game losing streak, they proved to be a tough opponent for the Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards Updates
Malone acknowledged the heightened challenge for Denver as defending champions, as every team aims to bring their best against them. Denver maintained a lead throughout the game, going into halftime ahead by 10 and extending their lead in the third quarter.
“That’s what happens when you’re the reigning world champs,” Malone said. “You have to be up for those games because you know you’re going to be getting everybody’s best.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards Updates
The admiration for Jokic was evident when the fans in the away arena chanted “M-V-P!” as he made his final free throws. Malone described this as a rare and special recognition of Jokic’s achievements, including his status as a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and his pivotal role in bringing the franchise its first championship.
“That’s unique,” Malone said. “It doesn’t happen very often, so I think it’s just recognizing greatness. Here’s a guy who was a two-time MVP as a second-round draft pick that brought a franchise its first world championship in history, and he’s a Finals MVP as well.”
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, while the Wizards are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
