LONDON, October 26 (Reuters): Nikola Jokic recorded his second straight triple-double and Jamal Murray scored 23 points as the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Phoenix Suns 133–111 in their home opener on Saturday night.
Christian Braun added 20 points and Aaron Gordon contributed 17 for Denver, which saw seven players score in double figures while shooting 51.2 percent (43 of 84) from the field.
Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds. The reigning Finals MVP attempted just eight shots, making five, and didn’t take a field goal until late in the second quarter following a goaltending call on Phoenix. His first shot attempt came from the free-throw line with just over four minutes left in the first half.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, while Grayson Allen added 17 and Dillon Brooks scored 15. Phoenix shot 43.2 percent (38 of 88) from the field as Denver’s offense proved too efficient.
Holmgren sparks Thunder past Hawks
In Atlanta, Chet Holmgren battled back soreness to record a double-double as Oklahoma City defeated the Hawks 117–100 to remain unbeaten. Holmgren scored a season-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, hitting 8-of-12 shots and six of eight three-pointers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, including 17 in the third quarter. Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 17 points, while Trae Young posted 15 points and 10 assists, marking his 22nd straight game with at least 15 points and five assists.
Bulls roll past Magic for second straight win
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 110–98 for their second consecutive victory to start the season. Josh Giddey led Chicago with 21 points, while bench players combined for 58 points. Jalen Smith and Ayo Dosunmu scored 16 and 15, respectively, as four reserves reached double figures.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 24 points despite shooting 7-for-21. Orlando struggled from long range, hitting just three of 24 attempts from beyond the arc.
76ers rally past Hornets
In Philadelphia, Quentin Grimes scored 24 points off the bench, including a decisive three-pointer with 15 seconds left, as the 76ers edged the Charlotte Hornets 125–121 for their second win of the season.
Tyrese Maxey had 28 points and nine assists, while Joel Embiid added 20 points. The 76ers erased a 10-point deficit in the final minutes with a 23–9 closing run.
Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball tallied 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Collin Sexton scored 21 points, while rookies Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel added 14 each.
Grizzlies dominate Pacers behind rookie Coward
Rookie Cedric Coward exploded for 27 points, hitting all six of his three-point attempts, as the Memphis Grizzlies thrashed the Indiana Pacers 128–103. Ja Morant added 19 points and eight assists as Memphis committed just four turnovers in the game.
For Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin scored 26 points before leaving with a sore right foot. Aaron Nesmith added 15, while Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin finished with 13 points each.
The report was originally published by Reuters.