MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Nikola Jokic led the Denver offense, but it was his defensive play in the closing seconds that preserved the Nuggets’ fifth straight victory.
Playing its first game after the All-Star break, Denver used a strong defensive effort in the third quarter to force poor Memphis shooting and sloppy ballhandling. The combination led to the Nuggets outscoring Memphis 28-22 in the third, including a 20-7 run that led to Denver’s first double-digit lead and eventually an 81-77 advantage.
“When we win game, we win third quarters,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “I think there’s a definite correlation to that. That first 10 minutes of that third quarter were really impressive.”
The Nuggets entered the game 14-2 when leading after three quarters this season and still held the advantage midway through the fourth until Memphis began connecting on 3-pointers.
It was tied at 95 before a 3-pointer by Barton with 2:08 left, and Denver never trailed again.
“It was a heckuva basketball game,” Jenkins said. “Two team playing at a very, very high level, especially (going down the stretch). We regrouped, came back and did a lot of great things there at the end of the game. …I thought we executed beautifully on a number of possessions to stay within striking distance.”
TIP-INS
Nuggets: Ended a five-game trip (split by All-Star break) 5-0. …F JaMychal Green, who was listed as questionable with a left shoulder sprain, was a late scratch with a stomach illness. …Murray reached 1,250 career assists in the second quarter. …Jokic went down holding his ankle in the third quarter, causing some concern as he left the game. After treatment on the sideline, he returned a minute later.
Grizzlies: Valanciunas passed Hakim Warrick for 14th on the Grizzlies career rebounding list. Warrick had 1,326. …G Grayson Allen returned to active roster after missing four game under concussion protocol. However, he did not play. … Morant’s 42-footer to end the third quarter pulled the Grizzlies to 81-77.
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Host Dallas on Saturday.
Grizzlies: At Oklahoma City on Sunday.
