Nikola Jokić Posts Third Triple-Double as Nuggets Rout Raptors 128-109 With 41-15 Third Quarter

The Toronto Raptors led the Denver Nuggets at halftime Wednesday night, but Denver won the third quarter 41-15 and cruised to a 128-109 win at home. Nikola Jokić finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists for his third triple-double of the season.

According to Field Level Media, it was the 201st triple-double of Jokić’s career. The Nuggets’ team site said he is now eight behind Russell Westbrook’s NBA record.

How Denver flipped the game

Toronto was sharp early. The Raptors shot 59.1% in the first half (26-of-44). After Denver tied it at 47 in the second quarter, Toronto went on a 12-2 run to lead 59-49, capped by a Collin Murray-Boyles tip-in. Aaron Gordon’s dunk cut the Raptors’ halftime lead to 67-64.

Denver turned up the defense in the third quarter. Toronto went 5-of-23 from the field and committed seven turnovers in the period. The Nuggets opened the half with a 20-6 run. Field Level Media scored the quarter 41-15. The Nuggets’ own recap said Toronto scored 17 in the period.

One sequence briefly slowed Denver. A flopping call and a flagrant-1 foul on Gordon gave the Raptors a five-point possession, Field Level Media reported. Denver answered quickly. Jamal Murray scored four straight points. Jokić hit two short jumpers, then drew a foul on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws. Rookie Bryce Hopkins scored six straight points to make it 103-81. Jokić completed the triple-double with an offensive rebound and layup before the quarter ended. He did not play in the fourth.

Raptors vs. Nuggets player stats

Cameron Johnson added 12 points for Denver, Christian Braun had 11 and Marvin Bagley III scored 10. Tyus Jones had eight assists. According to the Nuggets, Denver shot 61.5% from the field, its most efficient game under coach David Adelman. The Nuggets’ bench outscored Toronto’s 42-36.

Denver played without DeMar DeRozan (back spasms). For Toronto, Jakob Poeltl scored eight points in his return after missing two games with left shoulder bursitis.

Bryce Hopkins’ breakout

Hopkins was the surprise of the night. In just his fifth NBA game, he set a career high with 18 points. The Nuggets’ writeup praised how physically he attacked the rim, which got him to the free-throw line four times. Braun was also singled out for his second-half defense.

FAQ