Nikola Jokic records sixth triple-double of season as Nuggets make quick work of Cavs

Kenyon Martin was right. The Cleveland Cavaliers play no defense.

Martin, the ex-Nugget who was at Pepsi Center for Saturday’s Nuggets and Cavs matchup, didn’t reference Collin Sexton, Cameron Payne or Rodney Hood by name when he ranted for over three minutes about the state of NBA defense prior to tonight’s tip, but could have based on Cleveland’s performance on that end of the floor.

The Cavs surrendered 70 points in the first half as Denver shot 66 percent from the floor and 10-20 from three to lead by 24 points at the break. Nikola Jokic masterfully picked apart Cleveland’s defense in the first half to such an extent that Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap and the rest of the Nuggets’ starters could have watched the second half from the locker room. The Nuggets won going away 124-102.

Jokic didn’t play the fourth quarter but still finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in 27 minutes, recording his sixth triple-double of the season. Jamal Murray added 26 points, hit four threes and tallied five assists. Paul Millsap finished with 14 points on 7-11 shooting and five rebounds in 23 minutes of work.

As a team, the Nuggets shot 56.2 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three.

Denver moves to 20-4 at home on the season, tying the Nuggets with the Raptors and Bucks for the best home record in the league.

The Nuggets travel to Utah and put their unbeaten record in the Northwest Division on the line Wednesday against the Jazz.