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Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets lost 124-119 to the streaking Orlando Magic on the road. “The Joker” had another monster night but couldn’t carry the defending champs to the win. He finished the game with 30 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and two blocks. Jokic has six triple-doubles this season.
Denver, playing a fourth straight game on the road, very nearly pulled off the win in front of a hostile crowd. The score was tied at 108-all with about four minutes left when this happened:
Nikola Jokic backed down Magic center Goga Bitadze but missed a close-range baby hook. The Serb battled for an offensive rebound against Bitadze’s teammate Jalen Suggs. While Suggs and Jokic were looking to get an advantage, Cole Anthony, another Magic player, jumped behind the Nuggets big man.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP fell following the contact with Anthony and hit Suggs with an elbow to the head as he fell. More action ensued as Suggs and Jokic were entangled as they tried to get back to Orlando’s end of the court. Jokic then swung his arm at Suggs to free himself.
On Monday, he was ejected against the Detroit Pistons in the first half after receiving two technical fouls.
Without Jamal Murray, the Nuggets had to rely on the two-time MVP to carry them in the clutch. Jokic responded by pouring 15 of his 30 points in the final period. The Orlando Magic threw the kitchen sink at him and he still very nearly dragged his team to the win.
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will try to end their five-game road swing with a win on Friday
Up next for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are the Houston Rockets. The defending champs will have a day off before resuming their five-game road trip. They will be hoping to get a win before heading back to Mile High City.
The Nuggets have their work cut out for them. Houston just beat them on Nov. 12 despite another triple-double from “The Joker.” The Rockets lost three straight to the LA Clippers, LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors before bouncing back with a big win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
In each of those losses, the Rockets gamely fought. They lost to LeBron James and the Lakers after the four-time MVP scored a late free throw.
Denver’s record without Jamal Murray has dropped to 4-4. The Nuggets will need another great night from Nikola Jokic to pull off a win on Friday.
