Key Takeaways:
- Nikola Jokic achieved his 13th triple-double of the season and broke the career assists record for centres
- Jamal Murray scored 32 points, including 20 in a pivotal second quarter, as Denver secured their sixth consecutive win
- Paolo Banchero delivered his third career triple-double for Orlando, who played without both Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs
Historic Night for Jokic
Nikola Jokic recorded 23 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds to become the career assists leader among NBA centres, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 126-115 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Jokic surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 5,660 assists, entering the fixture six assists shy of the milestone. The record-breaking moment came with 6:26 remaining in the first half, as Jokic set up Jalen Pickett for a successful three-pointer. This triple-double marks Jokic’s 13th of the current campaign.
THIS WAS FUN#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/krQArCBYAP
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 19, 2025
Murray’s Second Quarter Masterclass
Jamal Murray posted 32 points for the Nuggets, including 20 during a game-defining second quarter. Denver, trailing by 14 points at one stage, found momentum as Murray sank 5 of 6 three-point attempts in the period. The Nuggets, who had just 33 points midway through the second quarter, embarked on a relentless 35-7 run over the final 6:26 of the half, reversing a 47-33 deficit into a 68-54 advantage at the interval. This victory extended Denver’s winning streak to six matches.
Banchero’s Triple-Double and Orlando’s Injury Concerns
Paolo Banchero impressed for Orlando with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, notching his third career triple-double and his first since 20 March 2024. Wendell Carter Jr. also scored 26 for the Magic. However, Orlando competed without top scorer Franz Wagner, sidelined with a sprained left ankle, and Jalen Suggs, who suffered a left hip contusion during the NBA Cup semifinal loss to New York on Saturday night.
Key Moments Down the Stretch
The Nuggets extended their lead to 81-60 early in the third quarter, but Orlando mounted a comeback, narrowing the margin to 92-83. Cam Johnson, who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, converted a vital three-pointer out of a timeout, reigniting Denver’s momentum. In the closing stages, the Magic closed to within 121-115 with 1:32 remaining, but Johnson’s corner three-pointer ultimately sealed the result for Denver.
Statistical Breakdown
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 23 | 13 | 11 | Became all-time assists leader among centres; 13th triple-double of season |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 32 | 3 | 2 | Scored 20 points in second quarter |
| Paolo Banchero | Magic | 26 | 10 | 16 | Third career triple-double; first since 20 March 2024 |
| Wendell Carter Jr. | Magic | 26 | 0 | 8 | – |
| Cam Johnson | Nuggets | 14 | 3 | 11 | Crucial three-pointers in closing stages |
Looking Ahead
The Nuggets will host the Houston Rockets for the second time in six days in a Saturday afternoon showdown. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are set to play at Utah on Saturday night.
