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Murray and Watson Shine as Nuggets Hold Off Grizzlies’ Late Rally for 125-115 Win

Nikola Jokic holding the ball, guarded by Santi Aldama

Key Takeaways:

  • Jamal Murray tallied 29 points and eight assists in Denver’s 125-115 triumph over Memphis
  • Nikola Jokic secured his 10th triple-double of the season with 17 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds
  • Peyton Watson posted 14 of his 27 points in the third quarter to help the Nuggets maintain their edge

Match Analysis

On Monday night in Memphis, the Denver Nuggets managed to stave off a late Memphis Grizzlies surge to seal a 125-115 victory. Leading the way for Denver, Jamal Murray notched 29 points alongside eight assists, while Peyton Watson contributed a career-best 27 points, 14 of which came during a crucial third-quarter stretch.

Nikola Jokic delivered yet another standout performance, recording his 10th triple-double this season with 17 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets have now prevailed in three of their past four outings.

Player Performance

For the Grizzlies, Jock Landale capitalised on extended playing time due to Zach Edey’s injury and delivered a career-equaling 26 points, along with 10 rebounds. Jaylen Wells contributed 22 points, and Cam Spencer chipped in with 18.

Memphis narrowed the deficit to 114-108 with six minutes remaining in the match, only for Murray to respond emphatically by knocking down consecutive three-pointers. Tim Hardaway Jr. (13 points) capped off the rally with a basket at the 2:23 mark, extending Denver’s advantage to 119-108.

Murray connected on six of nine attempts from three-point range, as the Nuggets collectively shot 22 of 43 (51.2%) from beyond the arc.

Injuries and Absentees

Denver were without two regular starters: Christian Braun, sidelined by a left ankle sprain, and Aaron Gordon, dealing with a right hamstring strain that may keep him out for at least a month. Together, Braun and Gordon typically contribute approximately 20 points per game.

The Grizzlies continued to grapple with injury adversity, missing most of their primary point guards, including Ja Morant, who sat out a fourth consecutive fixture due to a right calf strain. Zach Edey exited in the first half with a head injury and did not return.

Statistical Highlights

Solid defensive work from Denver limited Memphis to just 40% shooting in the opening half, enabling the Nuggets to secure a 62-54 advantage at the interval. Memphis fought back in the third quarter, but a surge from Watson steadied the visitors, who carried a 93-85 lead into the final period – punctuated by a half-court buzzer-beater from Jokic.

TeamLeading ScorerKey Statistics
Denver NuggetsJamal Murray (29 points)Nikola Jokic: 17 pts, 16 ast, 10 reb; Peyton Watson: 27 pts
Memphis GrizzliesJock Landale (26 points)Jaylen Wells: 22 pts; Cam Spencer: 18 pts

Looking Ahead

  • The Nuggets will host San Antonio on Friday.
  • The Grizzlies are set to begin a four-game away run in New Orleans on Wednesday.

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