Nuggets Overcome Deficit, Rally to Defeat Kings 116-110

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Sacramento Kings 116-110 at Ball Arena on Wednesday night. The win marked the Nuggets’ third victory over the Kings this season.

Led by Nikola Jokic‘s 22 points and 15 rebounds, Denver’s performance was bolstered by Russell Westbrook, who contributed 25 points, and Jamal Murray, who added 24 points and eight assists.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone praised his team’s defensive effort, saying, “I thought tonight was a hell of a win. What I loved tonight was the defense… It’s a win. Let’s not get carried away.” Malone acknowledged the challenge posed by a Kings team that had won four straight games.

Your critical plays came from Zeke Nnaji, who stepped into a larger role as backup center. He scored 10 points, recorded three rebounds, and blocked three shots, including a pivotal 3-pointer that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter. “Zeke didn’t play for a very long time, and as soon as he was implemented back in the lineup, he’s freaking hooping,” Murray noted, emphasizing Nnaji’s all-around contributions.

The Nuggets started the fourth quarter with a 12-2 run, which was capped by Nnaji’s trey from the top of the key, giving Denver a 96-95 advantage. Westbrook’s corner three with 1:28 remaining helped double the Nuggets’ lead. Despite a quick response from Sacramento’s Zach LaVine, the Nuggets maintained their composure down the stretch.

Denver returned from a four-game road trip with several players managing injuries. Vlatko Cancar returned from a 49-game absence due to knee surgery, while Peyton Watson played nearly 17 minutes after recovering from a sprained knee. Aaron Gordon, however, missed his fourth consecutive game due to an ankle sprain.

Throughout the game, the Kings employed a strategy to limit Jokic’s access to the ball, often forcing him to deal with multiple defenders. Malone noted this tactic took time for his team to adjust to. Kings coach Doug Christie aimed to capitalize on Jokic’s struggles, as Domantas Sabonis was sidelined, and Jonas Valanciunas started instead.

The Nuggets, who have been noted for their fast-break efficiency, lead the league in fast-break points per game. However, Malone pointed out that the team’s defensive inconsistencies made it difficult to capitalize offensively. “Fellas, get used to this… Teams are not guarding anybody not named No. 15, Nikola Jokic,” he told his players at halftime.

As the Nuggets approach the playoffs, they’ll likely continue to face teams focusing heavily on containing Jokic, challenging players like Westbrook and Braun to make adjustments. “It’s part of my job… to make the game easy for [Nikola],” Westbrook said. “Whatever it is that’s needed, I’m willing to do.”