Nikola Jokic delivered his 184th career triple-double on Wednesday night, powering the Denver Nuggets to a 122-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a game that tested Denver’s depth and composure heading into the NBA All-Star break.
Jokic finished with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, marking his 20th triple-double of the season and reinforcing his role as the league’s most reliable engine. Jamal Murray added 22 points, calmly sinking four free throws in the final 11.7 seconds to seal the win, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 21 points as the Nuggets improved to 35-20.
Memphis, now 20-33 and 9-18 on the road, mounted a spirited late comeback but could not complete it. GG Jackson II led the Grizzlies with 21 points in a contest that swung repeatedly before Denver closed the door.
Jokic’s Relentless Consistency
“Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray warmed up for their appearances in the NBA’s All-Star festivities by teaming up to help the Denver Nuggets hold off the Memphis Grizzlies 122-116 Wednesday night.”
The Serbian center’s stat line underscored his enduring influence. His 184th career triple-double places him among rare company, making him just the third player in NBA history with four or more seasons of at least 20 triple-doubles, alongside Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.
“Jokic had the 184th triple-double of his career with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.”
As he has so often done, Jokic orchestrated the game at his own tempo — rebounding in traffic, threading passes through narrow seams and scoring with quiet efficiency. Late in the third quarter, with five seconds left, he assisted Hardaway on a three-pointer that extended Denver’s lead to 93-81 and secured the triple-double.
Momentum Swings Define the Middle Quarters
The game unfolded in waves.
Denver seized early control in the second quarter with four consecutive three-pointers, stretching the margin to 44-33. Memphis answered with a 7-0 run to close the half, trimming the deficit to 60-54 and keeping the contest within reach.
The Grizzlies sustained that pressure into the third quarter. A 7-0 burst cut the lead to 66-65 at the 8:58 mark, forcing a Nuggets timeout. Moments later, a GG Jackson II three-pointer tied the game at 68, signaling Memphis’ intent to fight through its recent struggles.
Denver responded with poise, rebuilding the advantage behind Jokic’s playmaking and timely perimeter shooting. The Nuggets entered the fourth quarter with a cushion that appeared sufficient — but it proved fragile.
Grizzlies Rally, Murray Finishes
With Jokic resting early in the fourth, Memphis erased a 15-point deficit, tightening the game and injecting tension into Ball Arena. The Grizzlies never took the lead, but they forced Denver to execute under pressure.
Murray supplied the final answer. With 11.7 seconds remaining and the Nuggets clinging to a narrow edge, he calmly converted all four free throws to preserve the 122-116 win.
The closing sequence reflected Denver’s resilience. Despite injuries that have tested the roster’s depth, the Nuggets leaned on their core combination of Jokic’s orchestration and Murray’s shot-making to steady the outcome.
All-Star Break Momentum
The victory positions Denver firmly in the Western Conference race as the league pauses for All-Star festivities. For Jokic and Murray, the performance served as a timely reminder of their synergy — equal parts calculation and creativity.
“Nikola Jokić finishes the night with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in the home WIN against the Memphis Grizzlies!”
For Memphis, the loss marked its 10th defeat in 12 games, a stretch that has stalled its season and underscored the difficulty of closing tight contests on the road.
But on this night, the spotlight remained fixed on Jokic — steady, unhurried and historically productive — guiding Denver once more with the quiet certainty of a conductor who never loses the score.
