Nikola Jokic leads undermanned Nuggets past Grizzlies

Down three starters and with starting point guard Jamal Murray hobbled by a shin contusion, the Nuggets need Nikola Jokic’s offensive production more than ever. On Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies, he delivered.

Jokic finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, leading Denver to a 105-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a stark contrast to Jokic’s four-point outing back on Nov. 7 in the two team’s first meeting of the season when Denver’s big man didn’t attempt a field goal until the final play of regulation.

Jokic went at the Grizzlies’ front line of Marc Gasol and rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., from the get go, establishing himself as a focal point on the offensive end of the floor early on. Jokic got some help from his teammates too. Mason Plumlee got the start next to Jokic and finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Plumlee also recorded two key fourth-quarter blocks.

Backup point guard Monte Morris was crucial as well, chipping in with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists off Denver’s bench. Morris committed just one turnover in 28 minutes. In the third quarter alone, Morris tallied nine points on a perfect 4-4 shooting as Denver erased its bad third quarter Saturday night in Atlanta from memory. Murray added 16 points and five assists.

For Memphis, Mike Conley led the way with 19 points.

The Nuggets host the Thunder Friday.