By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading from start to finish, the Oklahoma City Thunder took down the Denver Nuggets, 121-111, in Ball Arena.
Lasting 29:22, Serbian Nikola Jokic made 6/9 from the field, including 1/2 from beyond the arc, to finish with 16 points, alongside eight assists, seven rebounds, and one steal, but also committed six turnovers though.
The Serbian superstar was initially listed as probable with a left knee bone bruise. Being medically cleared to play, he remained on track to reach the limit of 65 appearances in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season and remain eligible for the season-ending awards.
“I think I did a really good job in the rehab. I didn’t get so much out of shape. I still feel good out there,” he updated his status in a postgame interview.
Coming off the bench for the team coached by David Adelman, Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas logged 13:19 for 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Before Sunday’s game, Jamal Murray earned his first All-Star Game nod, joining the Joker for the 2026 installment of the annual exhibition.
“I wouldn’t change him for anybody,” reacted Jokic. “Whenever I say who’s my top five of my career, he’s definitely number one. We have a great relationship on the court. So many good moments. Bad moments, too, but that’s what creates good moments. So, it’s a pleasure to have him over there.”
However, the Nuggets fell to 33-17 and are in a distance of six games from the defending champions’ league-high 39-11.
Starting opposite Jokic for the Thunder, German Isaiah Hartenstein registered four points, five rebounds, one steal, and one assist in 21:32. French reserve Ousmane Dieng logged 2:31 but did not get on the board. Belgian Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain) and Nikola Topic (testicular surgery recovery) remained sidelined.