Murray’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Nuggets Past Grizzlies

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 123-118 in Memphis on November 11, powered by Jamal Murray’s 30 points and Nikola Jokic’s all-around performance. Murray scored 17 in the fourth quarter, while Jokic had 27 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Denver led by as many as 18 early in the second quarter and never fell behind, but Memphis kept the game close late. Ty Jerome’s basket with 2:42 remaining cut the deficit to 115-113. Cameron Johnson responded with five straight points, including a three-pointer set up by Jokic that made it 120-113 with 1:01 left.

Memphis had an opportunity to draw even in the closing moments, but rookie Cameron Boozer missed a three-point attempt with 6.9 seconds remaining. Jerome finished with 22 points, as did Jaylen Wells. Cedric Coward recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Boozer had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Johnson scored 23 for Denver, which has won five of its last seven games. The Grizzlies have lost four of five after opening the season with six wins, and are 2-4 at home. Jerome’s 22 points extended his run of games with at least 20 points to five.

Denver is scheduled to visit New Orleans on Saturday, while Memphis is set to play there Friday.