DENVER — Nikola Jokic had 28 factors, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his twenty fourth triple-double of the season, Michael Porter Jr. added 30 factors and the Denver Nuggets received their fifth in a row by beating the Orlando Magic 112-90 on Thursday evening.
Christian Braun completed with 16 factors for the Nuggets who noticed the commerce deadline come and go with out making a transfer. The Nuggets had the sport so nicely in hand that Jokic didn’t play within the fourth quarter.
Magic keep away from ‘panic strikes,’ stand pat at NBA commerce deadline for 2nd 12 months in a row
Porter turned in one other electrical offensive efficiency by hitting 11 of 16 pictures, together with 5 3-pointers. It’s his third straight sport with 30 or extra factors.
Wendell Carter led the Magic with 19 factors, and Paolo Banchero added 18. Orlando was outscored 33-17 within the third quarter.
Each groups performed the evening earlier than. The Nuggets routed New Orleans 144-119 at dwelling whereas the Magic beat Sacramento 130-111.
Takeaways
Magic: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope obtained an ovation and a video tribute in his return to Denver. Caldwell-Pope spent two seasons with the Nuggets, serving to them to the 2023 NBA title, earlier than leaving for Orlando final summer season. He had 7 factors.
Nuggets: Julian Strawther made his first NBA begin and had 2 factors on 1 of 8 taking pictures. He was beginning instead of Jamal Murray, who had irritation in his left knee. Peyton Watson (knee) and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) additionally had been sidelined.
Key second
Jokic confirmed off his passing exploits within the third quarter with a back-to-the-basket, over-his-head cross to Aaron Gordon for a dunk.
Key stat
Denver is 10-1 n the second evening of a back-to-back.
Up subsequent
Each groups play Saturday. The Magic host San Antonio, and the Nuggets are at Phoenix.