By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In their final game before the NBA All-Star break, the Denver Nuggets prevailed 122-116 over the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. After surrendering a 15-point cushion, they used a strong finish to secure the win, highlighted by Nikola Jokic reaching 20 triple-doubles for the 2025-26 campaign.
“Definitely, the defense is something we need to get better at, and I think in moments we showed that we can play really good defense, and we have some kind of really good defensive players in those moments,” said the 30-year-old forward in a postgame press conference, referring to necessary adjustments at the bottom end of the Regular Season.
Initially listed as probable due to a left ankle sprain, and remaining narrowly eligible for season-ending awards, the Serbian superstar finished with 26 points behind 8/17 field goals and 10/14 free throws in 33:54. He added 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
“He had a great game, and I think that’s what to be expected, but I was very impressed with our defensive activity,” the losing head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, commented on the team effort opposite the Joker, focusing on forcing him to nine turnovers.
Lithuanian reserve Jonas Valanciunas contributed nine points and six rebounds in 14:11.
The Grizzlies, led by Finnish Iisalo, remained without Spanish forward Santi Aldama, who was sidelined for right knee injury management.
“We took a very, very tough Denver team all the way to the end, and had a chance there, but they are a veteran team, and are well-coached, playing very well at the moment. I love the fact that we didn’t shy away,” said 43-year-old Iisalo, recapping the last stop in a five-game road trip and the last outing before the All-Star Game.
The Nuggets went up to 35-20, and dropped the Grizzlies to 20-33.