The Denver Nuggets rode another masterclass from Nikola Jokic on Sunday, as the reigning MVP notched his 35th triple-double of the season to power a 128–112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jokic finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, orchestrating Denver’s offense with his usual precision. He got plenty of support, including 22 points from Jamal Murray and 19 from Cam Johnson, as the Nuggets snapped Portland’s three-game road winning streak.
The game also marked the return of Peyton Watson, who hadn’t played since early February due to a hamstring injury. Watson made an immediate impact, scoring 14 points in just under 20 minutes off the bench as one of seven Denver players to reach double figures.
Portland was led by Deni Avdija, who poured in 23 points, while Donovan Clingan added 18. Still, the Blazers struggled to seize momentum, never holding a lead in the final game of their five-game road trip.
Both teams came out firing in a high-octane first half, each knocking down 7 of their first 10 attempts from beyond the arc and shooting better than 70% early. Murray and Johnson each buried four 3-pointers before halftime, helping Denver take a 75–69 lead into the break, despite Clingan matching that total from deep for Portland.
The Nuggets created separation in the third quarter. Jokic, Aaron Gordon (15 points), and Johnson sparked an 11–0 run with a flurry of 3-pointers, stretching the lead to 88–74 and putting the game out of reach.
Jokic did commit five turnovers, but Denver’s offensive efficiency and depth proved too much.
Up next: The Trail Blazers head home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, while the Nuggets travel to take on the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
