Murray scores 32 points, Nuggets beat Kings 117-96

Jamal Murray notched 32 points, while Nikola Jokic recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in just three quarters, leading the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 117-96 victory over the depleted Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Jokic achieved his 19th triple-double of the season, helping Denver avoid a season sweep by Sacramento. Murray was in exceptional form, making 13 of 15 shots, including five of six from beyond the arc. This victory marked the Nuggets’ fourth consecutive win since the All-Star break, following a three-game losing streak that included a home defeat to the Kings on Feb. 14.

Despite trailing 47-32 early in the second quarter, Denver mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Kings 68-22 over the next 18 minutes and 21 seconds to establish a commanding 32-point lead. Jokic completed his 124th career triple-double by setting up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for a corner 3-pointer, extending the lead to 100-68 with 1:14 remaining in the third quarter.

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De’Aaron Fox, the standout guard for Sacramento, was a late scratch from the lineup due to a left knee contusion, further hampering the Kings’ efforts. Despite the absence of Fox, Domantas Sabonis, the NBA’s triple-double leader with 21, contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Keegan Murray managed to score 21 points for the Kings, but his early impact in the first quarter was nullified by Denver’s suffocating defense. Murray was limited to just six points in the second and third quarters as the Nuggets took control of the game.