Historic Jokić Performance Leads Nuggets Over Kings in High-Scoring Game
The Sacramento Kings faced a tough challenge against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver. Despite a valiant effort, the Kings fell 132-123 to the Nuggets, who were led by a historic performance from Nikola Jokić.
Jokić dominated the game with 35 points, 22 rebounds, and 17 assists, becoming the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game. His performance included a jaw-dropping 66-foot three-pointer at the end of the third quarter, which extended Denver’s lead to 25 points. The Nuggets’ star also recorded his fifth consecutive triple-double, further solidifying his MVP-caliber season.
The Kings, coming off a hard-fought 123-117 victory over the Golden State Warriors the previous night, struggled with fatigue and the high altitude of Denver. Despite trailing by as much as 25 points, Sacramento showed resilience, cutting the deficit to five points with 48 seconds left in the game. Doug McDermott sparked the late rally, hitting five three-pointers in the fourth quarter. However, the Kings’ starters, who had played heavy minutes the night before, appeared out of gas, particularly in the first three quarters.
Domantas Sabonis put up a strong fight for the Kings, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists, while DeMar DeRozan added 24 points. De’Aaron Fox, however, struggled with his shooting, going 7-of-24 from the field for 17 points. The Kings’ inability to contain Jokić and Denver’s balanced scoring attack—with all five starters scoring at least 18 points—proved too much to overcome.
The loss marked the Kings’ third defeat in their last 13 games under interim head coach Doug Christie, while the Nuggets extended their winning streak to four games. Denver’s recent form has been exceptional, winning 11 of their last 14 games, with Jokić leading the charge. The Kings, despite the loss, remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA, having won 10 of their last 12 games.
The game highlighted the challenges of playing on the second night of a back-to-back, especially against a rested and dominant Nuggets team. The Kings will look to bounce back as they continue their six-game road trip, while the Nuggets aim to maintain their momentum as they head into a five-game road trip of their own.
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