The Denver Nuggets came away with a 123–118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Denver laid the groundwork early but was forced to fight for the result deep into the final period after the hosts mounted a third-quarter comeback.
Denver Controlled the First Half
The Nuggets set the tone in the opening quarter, winning it 35–24. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray spearheaded the offense as Denver moved the ball with precision and made it difficult for Memphis to find any offensive rhythm.
Denver remained the more efficient team in the second quarter, taking that period 30–28 and heading into halftime with a 13-point lead. Cameron Johnson stepped up as a third key offensive option alongside Jokić and Murray, giving Denver a balanced scoring effort.
Memphis Clawed Its Way Back
The picture changed after the break. The Grizzlies turned up the pressure and stormed back to win the third quarter 38–29. Jaylen Wells and Ty Jerome took on offensive responsibility, keeping Memphis well within striking distance.
Denver lost some of its control during that stretch, but despite the momentum shift, it never relinquished the lead. The Grizzlies made the most of their strongest offensive period yet could not fully erase the deficit.
Jokić and Murray Delivered Down the Stretch
Denver rediscovered its composure in the fourth quarter, edging that period 29–28 to protect the lead to the final buzzer. In the decisive moments, the Nuggets' calm ball-handling and their ability to generate reliable looks through Jokić in set plays proved crucial.
Jamal Murray led the way with 30 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Nikola Jokić finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, posting a double-double. Cameron Johnson chipped in with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Memphis Stayed in It Until the End
For the Grizzlies, Jaylen Wells and Ty Jerome each scored 22 points. Cameron Coward recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for a double-double of his own. Cameron Spencer added 15 points, while Jerami Grant contributed 14.
Memphis held the edge on the boards throughout the game and shot more reliably from the free-throw line. Denver more than offset those disadvantages through superior ball security, committing just 6 turnovers while dishing out 34 assists. Ultimately, the win was built on a dominant first half and the stability the Nuggets showed when it mattered most.
