Murray makes likes Jokic, gets first triple double in Nikola-less Nuggets win
Jan 20, 2023, 9:26 PM | Updated: 9:58 pm
No Nikola? No problem again as the Denver Nuggets rolled for the second-straight Friday without their two-time MVP.
Behind Jamal Murray’s first career triple-double, the Nuggets extended their home win streak to 16 by beating the Indiana Pacers 134-108. Murray finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists on 4-of-8 shooting—also the 13th double-double of his career.
It was the Nuggets second triple-double this season not recorded by the league leader in the mark Jokic, who has 14. Bruce Brown has the other triple-double. It’s the second time in franchise history Denver has gotten triple-doubles by three separate players in a season, joining the 1994-95 Nuggets, (Dikembe Mutombo, Reggie Williams and Robert Pack.)
“It feels really good knowing I didn’t do that pre-injury and I got one on the board tonight,” Murray said. “We were just having fun out there, the ball was hopping around.”
Aaron Gordon added 28 points, five boards and six helpers and Michael Porter Jr. scored 19 with eight rebounds. Brown also had 17 points in the contest.
Jokic sat on Friday with a left hamstring issue, which is not serious. Last Friday he stayed at home with right wrist soreness while the Nuggets beat up the Clippers in L.A.
The Nuggets have won nine-straight games and finish a five game home stand against the Thunder on Sunday. Denver remains atop the western conference.
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