----- The Nuggets used a strong third quarter and disposed of the Trail Blazers Sunday afternoon at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists and Jamal Murray added 22 on 9-of-18 shooting as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-112 Sunday afternoon at Ball Arena in Denver.
Deni Avdija led Portland with 23 points and 14 assists and Robert Williams III added 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
The game was all about offense early as both teams put on a shooting-display in the first quarter. Denver (44-28) led 42-40 at the end of the first. The Nuggets connected on 61% of their shots in the first including 7-of-14 from three-point range while the Trail Blazers made 59% of their shots including 7-of-15 from beyond the arc.
The Nuggets led 75-69 at halftime after Scoot Henderson was called for a foul on a three-point attempt by Tim Hardaway Jr. late in the half. He hit all three free throws.
The Nuggets pulled away in the third with a 32-24 advantage. Nuggets made 61% of their shots in the third while the Trail Blazers went cold at just 34%. Denver held a 21-7 edge in fastbreak points thru three quarters.
The Nuggets used a 6-0 run early in the fourth that pushed their led to 17. Portland (35-37) didn't threaten the rest of the way.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers return to Portland to host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. The game is scheduled to tip off from Moda Center at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Trail Blazers now 30-72 all-time in Denver.