Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson Lead Nuggets Past Grizzlies, 125-115

AP Photo/Brandon Dill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jamal Murray scored 29 points and added eight assists, while Peyton Watson contributed 27 points, including 14 in the third quarter, as the Denver Nuggets held off a late Memphis push to defeat the Grizzlies 125-115 on Monday night. Nikola Jokic recorded his 10th triple-double of the season with 17 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds, helping Denver secure its third win in four games. For Memphis, Jock Landale, filling in due to an injury to Zach Edey, matched his career high with 26 points and added 10 rebounds. Jaylen Wells scored 22 points, and Cam Spencer contributed 18 points. Memphis cut Denver’s lead to 114-108 with six minutes remaining, but Murray hit two three-pointers to push the lead back out. A basket by Tim Hardaway Jr., who finished with 13 points, with 2:23 left extended the lead to 119-108. Murray finished shooting 6-of-9 from three-point range, and the Nuggets collectively made 22 of 43 three-pointers (51.2%). Denver played without starters Christian Braun, sidelined with a left ankle sprain, and Aaron Gordon, out with a right hamstring strain that could keep him out for at least a month. Together, the two typically account for around 20 points per game. The Grizzlies also faced personnel challenges, missing most of their primary point guards, including Ja Morant, who sat out his fourth consecutive game with a right calf strain. Edey left in the first half with a head injury and did not return.

Denver’s defense limited Memphis to 40% shooting in the first half, allowing the Nuggets to take a 62-54 lead into halftime. Although Memphis rallied in the third quarter, Watson’s scoring helped Denver maintain a 93-85 advantage entering the fourth. The game’s final points came on a half-court buzzer-beater by Jokic.

Up Next

• Nuggets: Host San Antonio on Friday.

• Grizzlies: Begin a four-game road trip at New Orleans on Wednesday.