1:17 Nuggets pull away from Kings The Nuggets defeated the Kings 116-110 thanks to 22 points from Nikola Jokic.
Through AP
Friday, March 5, 2025 at 10:53 p.m.
The city of Denver, Colorado The Denver Nuggets defeated the Sacramento Kings 116-110 in a fourth-quarter comeback on Wednesday night, with 22 points and 14 rebounds from Nikola Jokic and 25 points from Russell Westbrook.
Denver, which has taken a 3-0 season series lead, was led by Jamal Murray’s 24 points.
Sacramento took a 93-84 lead into halftime thanks to 18 of DeMar DeRozan’s 35 points in the third quarter, but the Nuggets got a boost from Westbrook, who scored seven points in a row.
Denver took its first lead since the first quarter, 96-95, on a 3-pointer by Zeke Nnaji from the top of the circle. However, Zach LaVine got hot after the Nuggets took a 110-104 advantage. He made two long 3-pointers in the fourth that kept the Kings in the game, and he scored 12 of his 20 points for the game.
With 3-pointers from Westbrook, Murray, and Jokic, the game was clinched.
Main points
Jake LaRivia’s 15 points are his highest since joining the Kings from Memphis in early February, giving them a boost. He played only 4 minutes and 21 seconds in the first quarter, but he scored 11 points. He led the team in scoring at halftime and was scoreless after halftime.
Nuggets: Peyton Watson returned from a 13-game absence due to a knee sprain, and Aaron Gordon missed his third consecutive game due to an ankle ailment. In 17 minutes, Watson scored twice.
Important point
Even without the three-time MVP sitting on the bench, the Nuggets started the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run, a trend that has persisted throughout the season.
Important number
Three times Murray attempted a 3-point shot and was fouled; he converted all nine free throws. He finished with more attempts and makes than Sacramento, going 14 for 15.
What comes next
On Friday night, the San Antonio Spurs will be the Kings’ hosts. Playing Friday night’s game against the Suns, the Nuggets complete their brief homestand.
