Nikola Jokić had 24 points (12 in the first quarter) and 15 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-98.
The Nuggets took control with a 32-18 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 12.
The Thunder got within 99-96 on Paul George’s driving layup with 3:20 to play, but Monte Morris answered with a 17-foot step-back jumper, and the Thunder got no closer.
During clutch time, the Nuggets outscored the Thunder 4-2.
For the Thunder, George scored 32 points, and Steven Adams added 26 points (22 in the paint) and 14 rebounds.
The Nuggets shot 50.6% from the field to the Thunder’s 41.1%. The Thunder gave up 12 offensive rebounds, about 4 more than usual for the shots the Nuggets missed. Mason Plumlee fouled out.