Nikola Jokic posted a 27-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double and the Denver Nuggets pulled away for a 123-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Aaron Gordon added 23 points and 10 rebounds for Denver, which won its seventh game in a row. Tim Hardaway and Jamal Murray also finished with 23 points.
Julius Randle scored 26 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished seven assists for Minnesota. Naz Reid finished with 19 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Anthony Edwards struggled to find his rhythm against the Nuggets defense. He finished with 26 points but missed 15 of 23 shots from the field.
Denver outscored Minnesota 68-52 in the second half to secure the victory. The strong finishes spoiled a theme night for the Timberwolves, who played with a Prince logo emblazoned on center court as part of a tribute to the late famous musician from Minneapolis.
Gordon provided a highlight-reel play for the Nuggets when he made a reverse slam early in the second quarter. He caught a hard pass as he streaked from left to right under the basket, gathered his feet and elevated for the violent dunk.
The Timberwolves led 60-55 at the half.
The Nuggets topped Minnesota for the second time in as many games this season. They pulled away for a 13-point win on the Timberwolves home court on Oct. 27.
Denver played its first game without Christian Braun, who sprained his left ankle in the Nuggets’ previous game. Braun is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.
The Nuggets also did not have Cam Johnson, who sat out because of a right biceps strain.
Jokic played despite being listed as questionable because of a wrist injury. He was a game-time decision for the Nuggets before taking the court for the opening tipoff.
