On January 20th, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season game, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 113-100 on the road. The team has won six out of their last seven games and is currently only one game behind the Memphis Grizzlies as they strive to reach the top three in the Western Conference.
In the first half of this game, both teams played back and forth, with the Nuggets not having a significant advantage. They only managed a two-point lead at halftime against a depleted Magic squad, failing to create a substantial gap. However, in the third quarter, Nikola Jokic began to distribute assists aggressively, dishing out seven assists in the quarter alone. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Bruce Brown combined for 29 points, leading the team to a 39-25 scoring run in the quarter. The Nuggets extended their lead to 16 points thanks to their performance in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets further increased their lead to 20 points, effectively ending any suspense in the game. Ultimately, the Nuggets secured an easy victory on the road, continuing their recent strong momentum.
Jokic once again delivered a dominant performance, playing only the first three quarters of the game. He shot 7-for-9, accumulating 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks while committing just two turnovers. He showcased his all-around skills on both offense and defense, effortlessly dominating the paint against the Magic's interior defense.
It's worth noting that this marks the third consecutive game in which Jokic has recorded a triple-double by the end of the third quarter before being subbed out. As his teammates' form improves, Jokic doesn't need to exert himself as much in the game. He can comfortably fill up the stat sheet and lead his team to victory within just three quarters, demonstrating his remarkable dominance.
Other players also had impressive performances, with Russell Westbrook shooting 5-for-9 to contribute 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Since becoming a starter, the Nuggets have achieved a record of 16 wins and 5 losses. When Westbrook starts, the other players tend to perform better, and the entire team plays at a higher level. His excellent play has solidified his position as the team's starting point guard, and he is crucial to the team's success.
Jamal Murray scored 19 points with 4 assists, Bruce Brown had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds. All five starters scored in double figures, and Aaron Gordon, coming off the bench, added 9 points and 3 rebounds. As the season progresses into its midsection, the Nuggets have clearly gelled well as a team. They are now fully committed to achieving even better results, and this Nuggets team remains a formidable contender for the championship.