Nikola Jokić made a triumphant return from injury, helping the Denver Nuggets secure a hard-fought win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The reigning MVP showcased his all-around brilliance, proving once again why he’s the heart and soul of the defending champions.
Jokić’s Impactful Return
After missing time due to injuries, Jokić wasted no time making his presence felt. The Serbian superstar dominated both ends of the floor, tallying a near triple-double with points, rebounds, and assists. His ability to control the game, set up teammates, and score in crucial moments was the difference-maker for Denver.
“It felt great to be back,” Jokić said after the game. “I just wanted to help my team in any way I could.”
Nuggets Take Down Bucks in Competitive Battle
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, put up a strong fight, but Denver’s balanced attack, anchored by Jokić, proved too much to handle.
Denver’s supporting cast stepped up as well, with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. knocking down key shots down the stretch. Defensively, the Nuggets found ways to slow down Milwaukee’s high-powered offense, forcing turnovers and limiting easy baskets.
Looking Ahead
With Jokić back in the lineup, the Nuggets regain their full strength as they continue their push toward the playoffs. The win over the Bucks serves as a statement that Denver remains a top contender in the Western Conference.
As for Jokić, his return is a reminder of his unique skill set and leadership, both of which will be crucial for the Nuggets as they chase another deep postseason run. If his performance against the Bucks is any indication, Denver fans have plenty to be excited about.
Nikola Jokić marked his return to the lineup with an impressive 39-point triple-double, adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 127-117 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks at home on Wednesday night.
Christian Braun contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 17 points and Peyton Watson chipped in 12 as Denver (46-28) ended a two-game home losing streak.
Jokić, returning after missing five games due to a left ankle impingement and a sore right elbow, recorded his 30th triple-double of the season and the 160th of his career.
Milwaukee (40-32) played without Giannis Antetokounmpo (left foot sprain) and Damian Lillard, who is sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis. Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 26 points, while Ryan Rollins scored 17, Gary Trent Jr. had 16, Taurean Prince and AJ Green each contributed 15, Kevin Porter Jr. added 12, and Kyle Kuzma finished with 10.
The Nuggets built a 10-point lead with 8:11 remaining, but Pat Connaughton responded with back-to-back baskets, and AJ Green knocked down a three-pointer to bring Milwaukee within 106-103.
Jamal Murray answered with a layup, assisted Peyton Watson on a dunk, and added another layup to push Denver’s advantage to 112-105 with 5:36 left.
Ryan Rollins and Brook Lopez each scored inside, and Rollins hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 118-115. However, Watson threw down a dunk off a quick pass from Nikola Jokić, Michael Porter Jr. drained a three, and Murray finished with a layup as the Nuggets held on for the win.
Denver led by as many as 15 points in the first quarter, but Milwaukee battled back to trail just 67-64 at halftime. The Nuggets extended their lead to 80-74 in the third, only for the Bucks to surge ahead 88-83 with a 14-3 run late in the period.
Denver finished the quarter on a strong note. Christian Braun scored on a layup, Nikola Jokić knocked down a corner three, and Braun added a steal and layup to put the Nuggets ahead 90-88.
After Kyle Kuzma made one of two free throws, Jalen Pickett and Braun connected on three-pointers, Jokić sank a 10-foot floater, and Braun capped a 15-4 run with a putback dunk, giving Denver a 100-92 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
