Nikola Jokic recorded 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 117-96 win over the undermanned Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. The Nuggets dominated the second and third quarters to secure the victory.

Jokic secured his 19th triple-double of the season, having achieved this feat in each of his last four games. His performance was instrumental in preventing Denver from being swept in the four-game series against Sacramento.

Jamal Murray had an impressive outing, scoring 32 points on 13-of-15 shooting for the Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon contributed 17 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 16 points, and Michael Porter Jr. added 14 points for the Nuggets, who have now secured four consecutive wins following the All-Star break.

De’Aaron Fox, who had been pivotal in Sacramento’s previous victories over Denver with averages of 23.6 points and 11.3 assists, was sidelined due to a left knee contusion an hour before the game. This marked his seventh absence this season.

Keegan Murray led the Kings with 21 points, supported by Chris Duarte with 18 points, Malik Monk with 14 points, and Domantas Sabonis with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Although the Kings initially led 47-32 in the second quarter, Denver staged a remarkable comeback. Gordon’s remarkable performance, with a three-point play and three dunks, helped him score 11 of his 13 first-half points in the final 6:35.

A series of long 3-pointers by Jamal Murray, including one to close a 33-8 run, propelled the Nuggets to a 65-55 halftime lead.

Denver continued their dominance at the start of the third quarter, extending their lead to 18 points after a steal and dunk by Caldwell-Pope. The Nuggets further stretched their advantage to 83-59 when Murray converted a circus layup while being fouled, making the subsequent free throw to complete a three-point play.

The Nuggets maintained their momentum, establishing a commanding 100-68 lead when Caldwell-Pope sank a corner 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the third quarter.

Although Sacramento briefly narrowed the gap to 104-83 early in the fourth quarter, they were unable to mount a serious challenge to alter the outcome of the game.