Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets pulled clear of the Toronto Raptors after half-time to win 128-109 at home on 4 November, according to a Reuters report published by The Straits Times.
Jokic finished with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. He reached the milestone before the end of the third quarter and rested for the whole of the fourth. It was his third triple-double of the current NBA season and the 201st of his career. Rookie Bryce Hopkins also impressed with a career-best 18 points.
The contest turned in the third quarter, which Denver won 41-15. The Raptors had been efficient before the interval, making 26 of their 44 shots (59.1%), but stronger defending from the Nuggets limited Toronto to five successful field goals from 23 attempts in the period, alongside seven turnovers. Denver took the second half 64-42.
The hosts opened the third with a 20-6 burst to move 11 points ahead. Toronto briefly hit back when a flopping call and a flagrant-1 foul against Aaron Gordon handed them a five-point possession, and Jamison Battle had the opportunity to reduce the gap to eight but missed from long range.
Denver then seized control. Jamal Murray scored four straight points, and Jokic added two short jumpers before converting all three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. He then set up Hopkins for a lay-up, and the rookie followed with six consecutive points to make it 103-81. Jokic completed his triple-double with an offensive rebound and finish, sending Denver into the final quarter with a 23-point lead.
Gordon contributed 17 points, Murray 14, Cameron Johnson 12, Christian Braun 11 and Marvin Bagley III 10. The Nuggets were without DeMar DeRozan, who was sidelined by back spasms.
For Toronto, RJ Barrett was the leading scorer with 22 points, while Scottie Barnes added 17. Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray-Boyles each finished with 13. Jakob Poeltl managed eight points on his return from a two-game absence caused by bursitis in his left shoulder.