Nikola Jokic's seventh triple-double leads Nuggets to blowout win over Kings

DENVER — Triple-doubles are supposed to be difficult. They’re child’s play for Nikola Jokic.

Jokic seventh triple-double of the season — which moves him into sole possession of third place on the NBA’s triple-double leaderboard this year behind Russell Westbrook (19) and LeBron James (13) — was completed with time still remaining in the third quarter. Jokic finished with 20 points on 8-10 shooting, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ 130-104 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings.

Jokic finished a plus-33 in the victory.

As a team, the Nuggets shot 56.2 percent from the field and 15-37 (40.5 percent) from three. Denver tallied 38 assists on 50 made baskets.

Denver held a 17-point lead at the half which quickly ballooned to 27 after a 14-4 Nuggets run to open the third quarter. By the end of the period, Denver’s advantage widened to 33 points. The Nuggets finished the third quarter with 101 points.

The Nuggets were able to empty their bench midway through the fourth quarter. Every Nuggets player who was active tonight played except for Kenneth Faried.

Elsewhere for Denver, Gary Harris scored 21 points on 9-16 shooting. His backcourt partner Jamal Murray chipped in 20. Wilson Chandler scored 16 points in his return from a one-game absence due to hip soreness.

For Sacramento, Buddy Hield scored a team-high 18 points.

Denver (36-30) visits the Los Angeles Lakers (29-36) on Tuesday.