Memphis was led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, and Marcus Smart, who finished with 20 points and five assists.

Desmond Bane scored 15 points despite shooting 4 of 17 from the field and 1 of 10 from beyond the arc.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Memphis led 98-97, but Jokic’s 3-pointer and an offensive putback by the Denver big came on each side of Murray’s 3-pointer as the Nuggets retook the lead for good.

Memphis’ frontcourt remains thin, with center Steven Adams and backup forward Brandon Clarke out for the rest of the season due to injuries, and probable starter Santi Aldama nursing a sprained ankle. Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension to begin the season further restricted the offensive punch.

Both teams got off to a shaky start. By the midpoint of the first quarter, they were a combined 5 of 24 from the field and had missed all 10 3-point attempts.

Denver led at halftime 61-56 because to improved shooting.

The Grizzlies struggled for much of the night to stay in the game, keeping the deficit in single digits.

Derrick Rose’s steal and layup midway in the fourth quarter pulled Memphis within 95-93. Rose’s leaner in the lane gave the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead with 4:28 remaining.