The Nuggets are struggling to recover from the Grizzlies

Behinduntouchable ThunderThe Nuggets are truly contenders for “best of the rest” status at the start of the season. Denver thus won in Memphis (115-125), but had to fight to the end to make it happen.

The start of the match was slow for David Adelman’s players, who scored the first points only after 2 minutes and 40 minutes of play. Fortunately for them, the Grizzlies were no more successful, except Jaylen Wells. Memphis loses more Zach Edeyhit his head and will not return to the game.

A problem that is well solved by the contribution of the bench. The match gets a little carried away, and Jamal Murray takes the stage. The Canadian is the architect of the first series of the match, an express 8-0 for the guests’ first lead (18-25). Denver is trying to make up for their clumsiness with their offensive rebounding activity, but on 11/31 shooting, it’s hard to really make a difference.

This seems, no small feat, by depriving both Murray and Nikola Jokicwhile the leader is usually on the floor when his leader blows. The bet works great, thanks to a very effective zone defense. Jonas Valanciunas under the circle, Tim Hardaway Jr by your success of 3 points, or Zeke Nnaji with his activity…

Everyone is aligned, and Denver gets to spend six minutes with their B team. When Valančunas returns the truck keys to Jokić, the lead is now 13 lengths (33-46). Carriers apply the zone more poorly, and Memphis surprisingly finds the outside address Jock Landale (11 points in the second quarter) as the leading scorer. Denver leads at the break, but not sure (54-62).

Nikola Jokić from the logo

And the trend continues even after returning from the locker room. Grizzlies have bitten and don’t hesitate to try their luck from long range whenever they get the chance. This third quarter gets a little crazy at four minutes where everything fits together on both sides. Cam Spencer etc Peyton Watson long distance courtesies return in the ultimate duel. Watson is outstanding (14 points in the third quarter, 27 in the final) to make up for the absence of Aaron Gordon, and he does a lot of good for his team on the attack in the final seconds of the period as Memphis gets back to one possession.

The penalty is harsh for the locals, and Nikola Jokić, so far more involved in distribution than in scoring, scores at the buzzer of the third quarter – and completely relaxed – from the center circle!

https://t.co/454vviC4Jm pic.tvitter.com/TkfAMtKutK

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 25, 2025

Denver thinks he did the hardest part, especially since the minutes without Nikola Jokic were once again managed well in the fourth quarter. Jamal Murray continues a very good match (29 points, 8 assists) perfectly reading the shots of two opponents.

Cam Johnson with 3+1 gives his team a lead of 17 points (91-108). But with just over seven minutes left, Memphis stormed back to a 12-0 lead with another good pass from Landale. It took a last-ditch effort from the Murray-Jokic tandem, involved in all of the Nuggets’ baskets in the final four minutes, to secure the victory.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– A new routine triple-double for Nikola Jokić. They were two matches that the Serb did not finish in three dimensions. Odd improved with 17 points, 10 rebounds, but above all 16 assists. Nikola Jokić was almost discreet in scoring, but he settled for nine shots, only the fifth overall for the Nuggets in this match. Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson took care of the finish with their 43 attempts together.

– Denver rhymes with outdoors. Facing the Grizzlies who didn’t give up, the Nuggets had to be very skilled to hold on. After a complicated first quarter, the guests scored 18/30 with 3 points! The quartet Murray – Watson – Jokic – Johnson finished 17/29 during the entire match. Also out for the sixth straight road win by the Rockies for Denver, holding onto second place in the Western Conference (13-4).

– Valiant Grizzlies. Sans I Morant and with Jaren Jackson Jr very clumsy (1/8 on 3 points), Tuomas Iisal’s men did not surrender. The bench was stunning with 64 points, including 26 points and 10 rebounds from the incredible Jock Landale. Still not a win, but this fighting attitude is already a small improvement for Memphis.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.