By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
On Sunday, the Denver Nuggets beat the Orlando Magic, 113-100, in Kia Center.
Headlining the NBA Sundays action, Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double, his 18th in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. The Serbian superstar has ten more than LeBron James, the second on the list of players with the most triple-doubles this season.
Against the Magic, he was required for just over 30 minutes. Making 7/9 from the field, he made his way to 20 points. Fourteen rebounds and ten assists shaped the additional double-digit figures. He also recorded three blocks and three steals.
Overcoming a slow start and taking over for good midway through the third quarter, the team coached by Michael Malone jumped to 26-16 in the Regular Season, nine games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, the leaders of the Western Conference, and three games safe inside the top-six zone guaranteeing a spot in the 2025 Playoffs.
The European teammates of Jokic, Croatian Dario Saric stayed on the bench and Slovenian Vlatko Cancar (left knee surgery).
Plenty of players on the Magic injury list, including Georgian Goga Bitadze (concussion) on the sidelines along with German brothers Franz Wagner (right oblique tear) and Moritz Wagner (left knee surgery).
The only available European player for head coach Jamahl Mosley, German Tristan da Silva needed stitches above his right eye en route to 12 points with 5/10 field goals, including two three-pointers. Lasting 31 minutes as a starter, he added four rebounds, two steals, and two assists.