Nuggets Score 142 Points, the Highest in Franchise History
The Denver Nuggets showed no mercy to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, as they scored a franchise-record 142 points in a 142-105 blowout win. The Nuggets shot 60.4% from the field and 50% from the three-point line, making 18 triples in the game. They also outrebounded the Grizzlies 49-34 and had 38 assists on 55 made baskets.
The Nuggets were led by their MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who had a perfect triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jokic made all 11 of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond the arc, and all three of his free throws. He became the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double with a perfect shooting night.
Grizzlies Struggle to Contain Jokic and Murray
The Grizzlies had no answer for Jokic, who dominated the paint and the perimeter with his versatile skill set. Jokic scored 16 points in the first quarter, helping the Nuggets build a 37-25 lead. He then added eight points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the second quarter, as the Nuggets extended their lead to 73-54 at halftime.
The Grizzlies also had trouble stopping Jamal Murray, who scored 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including six three-pointers. Murray had 14 points in the third quarter, as the Nuggets broke the game open with a 40-22 run. Murray and Jokic combined for 54 points on 21-of-26 shooting, outscoring the entire Grizzlies starting lineup by 10 points.
Nuggets Bench Contributes to the Historic Night
The Nuggets bench also had a big night, scoring 64 points and shooting 61.8% from the field. Monte Morris had 15 points and six assists, while JaMychal Green had 14 points and eight rebounds. Bol Bol, the son of former NBA player Manute Bol, had a career-high 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including two three-pointers. Bol also had three blocks, showing his potential as a 7-foot-2 player with a 7-foot-8 wingspan.
The Nuggets bench outscored the Grizzlies bench by 28 points, as the Grizzlies struggled to find any rhythm or consistency on offense. The Grizzlies shot 43.5% from the field and 28.6% from the three-point line, making only 10 triples in the game. They also committed 18 turnovers, leading to 25 points for the Nuggets.
Nuggets Improve to 23-9, Grizzlies Fall to 15-18
The Nuggets improved to 23-9 with the win, the second-best record in the Western Conference behind the Phoenix Suns. The Nuggets have won six of their last seven games, and are averaging 122.6 points per game in that span. The Nuggets are also 14-2 at home, the best home record in the NBA.
The Grizzlies fell to 15-18 with the loss, the 10th seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have lost four of their last five games, and are allowing 116.8 points per game in that span. The Grizzlies are also 6-12 on the road, the second-worst road record in the Western Conference.
