Nikola Jokic earns 50th double-double of season in Nuggets’ blowout win at Rockets – The Denver Post

The Nuggets handed their bench a 20-point halftime lead against the Rockets. They didn’t let up.

Denver’s second unit kept its foot on the gas Friday night, providing starters some well-deserved rest, as the Nuggets rolled the Rockets, 128-99, in Houston.

Nikola Jokic earned his 50th double-double of the season — 29 points and 16 rebounds — with Denver now 2-0 in the absence of starting point guard Jamal Murray (torn ACL). Michael Porter Jr.’s strong season continued with 21 points and five rebounds.

Friday night’s victory felt routine against the floundering Rockets (14-42) with 10 losses over their last 11 games. But no win feels small for Denver (36-20), still clinging to a playoff four-seed, with the Memphis Grizzlies coming to Ball Arena Monday night.

The Nuggets were determined from the start in Houston, powered by an 18-5 run in the first quarter. Paul Millsap provided instant energy and production off the bench on 4-of-4 shooting with 9 points before halftime. The veteran locker room leader is among a deep rotation of power forwards, including JaMychal Green and JaVale McGee.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone described the challenge of playing time for all three as “a good problem to have” before the game. On Friday, Millsap notched a double-double (11 points and 10 rebounds). Green added 13 points and seven assists. McGee did not come off the bench.

“Those guys have been great in terms of handling the juggling of who is playing and who is not playing,” Malone said. “I give them a lot of credit for that.”

The Nuggets grew their lead to 20 points at halftime, 69-49, as Jokic showcased why he is the unanimous sportsbook favorite to win MVP. He notched his 50th double-double of the season in the third quarter.

Aaron Gordon, in his 11th Nuggets game, finished with just 8 points over 22 minutes. But Malone spoke pregame about the need to keep Gordon fresh nearing the playoffs considering his injury history in Orlando.

Gordon, prior to being traded, missed 17 of his last 23 games with the Magic due to an ankle issue.

“A lot has been asked of (Gordon),” Malone said. “I’ve been talking to him about trying to get him some rest and limit his minutes a little bit when I can.

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