Murray gets 1st career triple-double, Nuggets rout Pacers

DENVER (AP) — The peach-colored coordination between Jamal Murray (sneakers) and Nikola Jokic (swimsuit) was purely by chance.

This wasn’t: Murray delivering his finest Jokic imitation.

Murray acquired his first profession triple-double and the Denver Nuggets prolonged their successful streak to 9 video games by routing the Indiana Pacers 134-111 on Friday evening with out Jokic.

The 2-time reigning NBA MVP sat out as a result of hamstring tightness.

Murray completed with 17 factors, 14 assists and 10 rebounds to duplicate the form of manufacturing often seen from Jokic, who leads the league in triple-doubles. Jokic had a courtside seat for the Jamal Murray Present and congratulated his point-guard teammate after the feat.

“I used to be simply taking part in our sport, taking part in aggressive,” Murray defined. “We had been simply having enjoyable on the market. The ball was hopping.”

About their color-coordinated ensemble: “I didn’t know he was going to come back in wanting like a peach,” Murray cracked.

About emulating Jokic in entering into the triple-double division: “He steals a whole lot of my triple-doubles,” Murray cracked once more. “It was good to lastly get one on the board.”

Aaron Gordon scored 28 factors and Michael Porter Jr. added 19 because the Western Convention-leading Nuggets ran their dwelling win streak to 16 video games. They haven’t misplaced at Ball Area since Dec. 6 towards Dallas.

Nuggets performing head coach David Adelman improved to 3-0. Michael Malone stays out after getting into the league’s well being and security protocols.

A stat line Malone will definitely respect — a season-high 38 assists. This, too — 16 steals.

“It was actually enjoyable to see our guys proceed to play the best way we play no matter who’s on the court docket,” Adelman stated. “It was enjoyable as a result of a whole lot of guys contributed. These are particular nights.”

Adelman was particularly happy for Murray, who’s been working his means again from a torn ACL that saved him out all final season.

“He’s already had such a storied profession right here as a Nugget and all the things he’s been by,” Adelman stated. “So it’s very cool to see that.”

Bennedict Mathurin had 19 factors and Chris Duarte added 18 for the Pacers, who dropped their sixth straight sport. Indiana went 8 of 32 from 3-point vary.

“We’re making a whole lot of errors. We’re not caring for the ball, together with me,” Duarte stated. “We simply have to chop that down. I really feel if we lower the turnovers down we’re going to be there with the opposite groups.”

Denver had a back-to-back-to-back dunk sequence within the third quarter that drew thunderous applause from the group.

The Nuggets had been jamming alongside all evening with 16 dunks. That was tied for his or her most since 1996-97 (towards Washington on March 20, 2009), based on the staff.

“We’re very unselfish,” Murray stated. “We don’t actually care who scores. We’re simply taking part in free.”

TIP-INS

Pacers: Indiana has misplaced six in a row to Denver. … Indiana heart Myles Turner had 15 factors.

Nuggets: F Vlatko Cancar missed the sport due to an sickness not associated to COVID-19. … F Jeff Inexperienced was again after sitting out 14 video games with a damaged hand. He completed with six factors. … G Bones Hyland didn’t play within the second half. He had six factors.

INJURY UPDATE, PART I

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton participated in some taking pictures contests along with his teammates Friday. Haliburton has missed the final 5 video games (sprained knee/elbow).

“I don’t know precisely when he’ll play, however he’s doing properly,” coach Rick Carlisle stated.

INJURY UPDATE, PART II

Adelman stated Jokic sitting out was extra of a precaution.

“He simply had slightly discomfort,” Adelman stated. “If he’s not the most effective participant on the planet he’s shut, so if he’s feeling discomfort, we’re not going to take an opportunity.”

UP NEXT

Pacers: End a four-game journey Saturday at Phoenix.

Nuggets: Shut out a five-game homestand Sunday towards Oklahoma Metropolis.

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