Jokic records third triple-double as Nuggets beat Raptors by 19

Nikola Jokic posted a 32-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double on Wednesday night, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 128-109 victory over the Toronto Raptors. The 19-point margin was the largest win for Denver this season.

The Nuggets struggled in their first three home games, losing two of them. Their only prior win at home came after overcoming a 23-point deficit against the New Orleans Pelicans. On Wednesday, Denver took control after a close first half. The team outscored Toronto 41-15 in the third quarter, shooting 68.2% from the field in that period.

Six other players for the Nuggets finished with double-digit scores. Rookie Bryce Hopkins set a career high with 18 points off the bench. Aaron Gordon contributed 17 points, and Jamal Murray added 14 points and seven assists. Jokic also recorded a team-high three steals while making 13 of his 19 shot attempts.

For Toronto, RJ Barrett led the team with 22 points. He has scored at least 20 points in seven of his last eight games. Scottie Barnes finished with 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. The Raptors went 3 for 15 from three-point range in the second half after hitting nine of their first 19 attempts. They have lost three of their last four games after starting 3-1.

The Nuggets host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday afternoon. The Raptors travel to Milwaukee on Friday night.