Nikola Jokić reflected on the victory over the Kings “professionally”.

The Denver Nuggets continued their strong run Thursday night, defeating the Sacramento Kings 136-105 at the Golden 1 Center in a game that showcased both efficiency and focus. After a quiet period of eight days with only one game, Denver came out ready, leaving no doubt about their professionalism and preparation.

Serbian star Nikola Jokic led the offense, scoring 36 points in just 29:03 minutes while connecting on 14-of-16 shots, including 12-of-14 from inside the arc. He also contributed 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals, just shy of a triple-double.

“We were very professional,” the 30-year-old center he said after the game, commenting on his team’s performance. “We played the right way from the beginning. We didn’t have, I say, stupid mistakes, stupid attempts, lost balls.”

Jokic’s primary matchup was rookie Maxime Reynaud, who, along with an injured Drew Eubanks, couldn’t slow down the Nuggets’ MVP.

Backing up Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas scored 15 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting, grabbed six rebounds and added two assists in less than 19 minutes off the bench. Together, Denver’s centers combined for a whopping 21-of-23 from the field. Jamal Murray contributed nine assists and 11 points, providing consistent playmaking despite shooting 4-of-13 on the night.

The Nuggets bench also made a significant impact, scoring a total of 50 points. Peyton Watson and Cam Johnson combined for 37 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. had 11 points, his eighth straight game in double figures. Bruce Brown had seven assists, and Jalen Pickett provided additional energy off the bench. The depth allowed Denver’s starters to rest without losing momentum, a strategy that proved successful in keeping their record 11-game road streak intact.

Denver outscored Sacramento 41-26 in the first quarter and steadily won each subsequent quarter. The Kings, missing stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, couldn’t keep up. Russell Westbrook scored 17 points for Sacramento, while three players reached 15 points each, but the team never threatened the Nuggets’ lead. Denver took advantage of loose rebounds and forced missed threes, effectively converting transition opportunities.

Next, the Nuggets head home for a four-game series starting Monday against the Houston Rockets.