Nikola Jokic delivered another MVP-level performance, scoring 48 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a dominant 141-111 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.
Jokic was unstoppable, adding 14 rebounds and eight assists in a near triple-double effort that snapped Denver’s two-game losing streak.
The Nuggets came out firing, never trailing in a game where their offense reached peak efficiency. Jokic, fresh off a career-high 56-point outing in a loss to Washington, kept his offensive rhythm intact against Atlanta, showcasing his elite scoring and playmaking abilities.
Michael Porter Jr. complemented Jokic’s performance with a season-high-tying 26 points, including six dunks in the first half. Denver set a tone early and led by as many as 26 points before halftime, capitalizing on a sluggish start by the Hawks.
Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter led his team with 20 points, continuing his strong scoring stretch. However, his night was briefly interrupted in the third quarter after a hard block attempt by Aaron Gordon resulted in a hit to the head. Hunter left for the locker room but returned later in the game.
The Hawks also received 18 points from Dyson Daniels and a double-double from Trae Young, who had 15 points and 10 assists. Despite their contributions, Atlanta couldn’t match Denver’s firepower or efficiency on either end of the court.
Denver’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, as they recorded season highs in both assists (43) and field-goal percentage (62.9%). Russell Westbrook dished out 11 assists in a supporting role, helping the Nuggets spread the floor and exploit Atlanta’s defensive lapses.
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The Hawks briefly made a push in the second quarter, trimming a 20-point deficit to 12. However, Porter’s highlight dunks reignited Denver’s momentum, propelling the team to a commanding 71-48 halftime lead. The Nuggets never looked back, maintaining their dominance through the second half.
Denver’s depth evident
While Jokic carried the scoring load, Denver’s depth was evident. Gordon made impactful defensive plays, and the team’s ball movement allowed multiple players to contribute offensively. Even without Jamal Murray, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Nuggets showed why they remain one of the NBA’s elite teams.
For the Hawks, the loss highlighted ongoing struggles with consistency. Hunter has been a bright spot, scoring at least 20 points in six of his last seven games, but Atlanta’s overall shooting woes persisted. The team shot just 33.3% in the first half, putting them on pace for one of their worst offensive performances of the season before improving slightly after the break.
Denver’s defensive intensity also played a role, forcing Atlanta into difficult shots and keeping their stars in check. The Nuggets dominated the rebounding battle and capitalized on transition opportunities, further distancing themselves from their opponents.
Looking ahead, Denver will return home to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday in what promises to be another test for the reigning champions. Meanwhile, Atlanta will travel to New York to take on the Knicks on Wednesday, hoping to regroup and find some consistency in their performances.
Jokic’s latest masterpiece reaffirms his status as one of the league’s premier talents. His ability to lead the Nuggets on both ends of the floor continues to set the standard, and Denver’s balanced attack positions them as a formidable force in the Western Conference.
