Jokic’s Triple-Double Propels Nuggets to Victory in Rivers’ Debut

In a game marked by Nikola Jokic’s stellar performance, the Denver Nuggets secured a 113-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, spoiling Doc Rivers’ debut as the head coach of the Bucks on Monday night. Jokic, with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, notched his 14th triple-double of the season, showcasing his prowess on the court.

Jokic, Fourth-Highest in Triple-Doubles, Shines Against Bucks:
With 119 career regular-season triple-doubles, Nikola Jokic holds the fourth-highest total in NBA history. Remarkably, six of these triple-doubles have come against the Milwaukee Bucks, emphasizing his consistent impact.

Jamal Murray’s Scoring Prowess Supports Nuggets:
Jamal Murray contributed significantly to the Nuggets’ victory with an impressive 35-point performance. Coach Michael Malone celebrated his 400th career win with the Nuggets, as Michael Porter Jr. added 13 points, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 12. Denver’s win marked their fifth triumph in six games.

Bucks Respond to Rivers’ Debut:
Doc Rivers took the helm as the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, aiming to lead the team following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin. Despite a 2-1 record under interim coach Joe Prunty, Rivers’ debut saw the Bucks falling short against the Nuggets.

Late Surge Secures Nuggets’ Win:
In a closely contested fourth quarter, Denver opened with a dunk by DeAndre Jordan, but Milwaukee responded with a 13-2 run, taking an 88-86 lead. However, Murray and Jokic led a counterattack, putting the Nuggets ahead 94-90. Crucial plays, including a Porter dunk, extended the lead to 106-97, ultimately sealing the win for Denver.

Antetokounmpo Shines for the Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his skills for the Bucks, finishing with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Brook Lopez, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis also made notable contributions.

Game Highlights:
Milwaukee started strong with a 26-13 lead but faced a scoring drought in the closing minutes of the first quarter. The Nuggets capitalized, taking a 28-26 lead early in the second period. Murray’s scoring prowess kept the game tied at 56-all by halftime. Jokic’s dominant third quarter, where he secured his triple-double, propelled the Nuggets to an 82-75 lead entering the final quarter.

Denver’s victory adds another milestone to Jokic’s impressive career, while the Bucks look to regroup under Coach Rivers in the games to come.