Murray scores 28, Jokic an ideal 18-of-18 from the free throw line as Nuggets beat Warriors 120-114

Jamal Murray scored 28 factors, Nikola Jokic overcame an off day from the sector by going 18 of 18 from the free throw line and the Denver Nuggets prolonged their profitable streak to 5 video games by holding off the Golden State Warriors 120-114 on Monday.

Jokic completed with 26 factors regardless of going 4 of 12 from the ground. He set a career-high along with his 18 made free throws. Jokic additionally had 14 rebounds and eight assists.

Last Christmas, the Nuggets large man erupted for 41 factors, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in an extra time win over Phoenix.

It was a back-and-forth recreation that featured 9 lead modifications within the second half. Denver took a lead for good on Jokic’s left-handed hook shot with 5:16 remaining.

Andrew Wiggins gave the Warriors a lift by scoring 22 factors as he returned to the ground after lacking two video games with an sickness. Stephen Curry took a bit to heat up, not scoring till halfway via the second quarter, however heated up late to complete with 18 factors.

Golden State performed on Christmas for an eleventh straight yr.

The Warriors moved to 5-2 for the reason that indefinite suspension of Draymond Green after placing Phoenix heart Jusuf Nurkic within the face. Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned earlier than the sport that Green has principally stayed away throughout his suspension. Kerr added that he has been in touch with the coaching workers and the coaches.

The mixture of Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis took turns making an attempt to frustrate Jokic, who didn’t have his customary contact across the basket. All 5 Denver starters scored in double figures, with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon each posting double-doubles.

Denver coach Michael Malone confirmed up for his pregame media interview carrying a Nuggets-themed Christmas sweater. Being the son of a longtime NBA coach, Malone mentioned a few of his fondest reminiscences have been going to video games on Dec. 25, significantly when his father was an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

“No present under that tree would even match going to the Garden to watch Michael Jordan,” Malone mentioned. “Every time he stepped foot in that arena, it was just magical.”

UP NEXT

Warriors: Begin a seven-game homestand Thursday in opposition to Miami.

Nuggets: Host Memphis on Thursday.