Nikola Jokicwas a standout performer for the Nuggets, contributing 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.His strong all-around performance was complemented byJamal Murray, who also scored 22 points, helping to lead the Nuggets to victory.
The Grizzlies displayed a balanced scoring effort, with six players, including all five starters, reaching double-digit points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 21 points and also matched Ziaire Williams‘ team-high nine rebounds while blocking three shots. Marcus Smart added 20 points, and Derrick Rose provided a valuable boost off the bench with 16 points.
Derrick Rose briefly gave the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead with a jumper in the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets swiftly regained control. Jamal Murray assisted Nikola Jokic on a crucial 3-pointer to retake the lead, and then Murray himself drained another 3-pointer to extend Denver’s advantage to five points, ultimately putting the game out of reach.
While Jackson and Smart made late contributions to cut the deficit to one point, Aaron Gordon’s dunk, along with the collective effort of the Nuggets, ensured that the hosts would not regain the lead.
Reggie Jackson, coming off the bench, contributed 16 points for the Nuggets, while backup forward Peyton Watson added nine points, and Zeke Nnaji finished with seven points. Michael Porter Jr. had a significant impact on the boards, collecting a game-high 13 rebounds and adding nine points to the win.
Ziaire Williams, who scored 11 points for Memphis, and Xavier Tillman Sr., with 13 points and eight rebounds, were among the Grizzlies’ notable contributors. Desmond Bane chipped in 15 points, although he struggled from beyond the arc, making just one of his ten attempts.
Denver’s success from beyond the arc played a crucial role in their victory, with the Nuggets making 14 of 37 three-point attempts compared to Memphis’s 10 of 33. The closely contested game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Nuggets ultimately emerging victorious on the road.
(With Reuters inputs)