In a thrilling finish, Jamal Murray sank a decisive 16-foot jumper with 8.6 seconds left to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 130-129 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. The final moments were a back-and-forth showcase, as Murray’s game-winner came just seconds after DeMar DeRozan’s emphatic baseline dunk had briefly given Sacramento the lead.
Nikola Jokic recorded his NBA-leading 10th triple-double of the season, contributing 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists to anchor Denver’s offense. Murray led the way with 28 points, while Russell Westbrook, stepping into a spot start, nearly notched a triple-double of his own with 18 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists.Â
Westbrook’s versatility continues to shine for the Nuggets, proving critical in filling gaps caused by injuries, such as Christian Braun’s absence on Monday.
The Kings fought hard, despite a sluggish start. Domantas Sabonis delivered a stellar performance with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points and seven assists.Â
Malik Monk added a spark off the bench, pouring in 25 points, helping Sacramento claw back into the game after trailing early. Head coach Mike Brown’s squad showed grit and resilience, particularly in the second half, but couldn’t overcome Denver’s dominance in the paint.
Denver exposed Sacramento’s interior defense throughout the night, racking up 76 points in the paint. The Nuggets’ physicality set the tone early, and their ability to capitalize inside ultimately proved the difference in a tightly contested matchup. Let’s grade the players for their performances tonight.Â
Nikola Jokic: A
Stats: 20 PTS, 14 REB, 13 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 0 PF, 8-19 FG, 1-6 3PT, 38 MIN
Jokic delivered yet another dominant and masterful performance, recording his NBA-leading 10th triple-double of the season with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. While his three-point shooting wasn’t sharp (1-of-6), his impact as the orchestrator of Denver’s offense was undeniable, constantly finding teammates for high-percentage looks and controlling the tempo. Jokic’s presence in the paint exposed Sacramento’s defensive struggles and anchored the Nuggets’ 76 points inside, proving once again why he remains a centerpiece of Denver’s success.
Russell Westbrook: A
Stats: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 3 PF, 8-13 FG, 0-3 3PT, 35 MIN
Westbrook filled in admirably as a spot starter, showcasing his versatility and relentless energy with 18 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. His efficient 8-of-13 shooting underscored his ability to attack the rim and finish strong. Westbrook’s near triple-double performance kept Denver’s offense flowing smoothly, particularly in transition, while his aggression on the boards provided an additional edge. His contributions were critical with Braun sidelined, highlighting his value as a key depth piece for the Nuggets.
Aaron Gordon:Â A-
Stats: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 PF, 9-14 FG, 1-3 3PT, 31 MIN
Gordon had an impressive all-around night, scoring 24 points on an efficient 9-of-14 from the field while pulling down seven rebounds. His physical play and ability to finish around the rim were vital in Denver’s dominance inside. Gordon also added two assists and consistently made himself available as a reliable scoring option. Although he had three fouls, his energy and interior presence made a significant difference on both ends of the court.
Jamal Murray: B+
Stats: 28 PTS, 2 REB, 6 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2 PF, 11-26 FG, 4-8 3PT, 38 MIN
Murray played the role of hero in the closing moments, drilling the game-winning jumper to cap off a strong 28-point performance. While his shooting efficiency was inconsistent at 11-of-26 from the field, Murray connected on key shots when it mattered, including 4-of-8 from three-point range. He also dished out six assists, providing solid playmaking alongside Jokic. Murray’s clutch ability remains invaluable for Denver, even in games where his shooting ebbs and flows.
Julian Strawther: B
Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 PF, 6-12 FG, 1-4 3PT, 23 MIN
Strawther contributed meaningful minutes off the bench, adding 13 points and four rebounds on 6-of-12 shooting. His aggressiveness and ability to find scoring opportunities helped maintain Denver’s energy during stretches when the starters rested. Although he struggled slightly from deep (1-of-4), Strawther’s activity and willingness to attack the basket were key in keeping Sacramento’s second unit on their heels.
Michael Porter Jr.:Â B-
Stats: 11 PTS, 10 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 PF, 4-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 31 MIN
Porter Jr. had a quiet scoring night with just 11 points but made up for it on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds. He shot efficiently when given opportunities (4-of-7 overall), but his involvement was limited offensively compared to his usual role. Porter’s defensive focus and rebounding provided important support, though the Nuggets will hope for more scoring punch from him moving forward.
Peyton Watson: C+
Stats: 9 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 PF, 3-8 FG, 1-1 3PT, 17 MIN
Watson contributed nine points, four rebounds, and one assist in 17 minutes of action. He made the most of his limited shooting opportunities (3-of-8 FG), including a perfect 1-of-1 from three. Watson’s energy and hustle on both ends were evident, though he struggled at times defensively, picking up three fouls. His effort was solid, but his impact remained secondary to Denver’s top performers.
Hunter Tyson:Â C+
Stats: 7 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 PF, 2-2 FG, 1-1 3PT, 17 MIN
Tyson made the most of his minutes, scoring seven points on perfect shooting (2-of-2 FG, 1-of-1 3PT) while adding three rebounds and one assist. His efficiency was a bright spot, and he showed poise when called upon. However, his three fouls in limited action were a small drawback. Tyson continues to show promise as a developing contributor for the Nuggets.
DeAndre Jordan:Â N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 10 MIN
Jordan played just 10 minutes, contributing two rebounds and three assists without scoring. He missed his only shot attempt and had limited overall impact in the short stint. While his presence provided a veteran presence in brief stretches, his role was minimal in this contest.
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