Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings
· National Basketball AssociationJokic has 32nd triple-double to lead Nuggets past Kings 124-116 in Denver's 1st game without Malone
Christian Braun scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 21 points to help Denver end a four-game losing streak and complete a season series sweep of Sacramento.
With two regular-season games remaining, the Nuggets (48-32) are tied with the Clippers for the No. 4 playoff seed in the Western Conference.
Malone, the winningest coach in franchise history who guided the Nuggets to their only NBA championship in 2023, was fired Tuesday along with general manager Calvin Booth. David Adelman is serving as Denver's interim coach.
Zach LaVine had 27 points and 11 assists for the Kings, whose three-game winning streak ended. DeMar DeRozan added 22 points for Sacramento, which holds the No. 9 spot in the West.
The Nuggets led by 16 before the Kings made a run and got within 113-108 on Keon Ellis' jumper with 2½ minutes remaining. Jalen Pickett made a mid-range jumper for Denver and Jokic made two free throws to help secure the win.
—
Regular Season Series
DEN wins series 4-0
Recent Plays
| 4th 0.0 |  |
End of Game | 124 - 116 |
| 4th 0.0 | |
End of the 4th Quarter | 124 - 116 |
| 4th 20.1 |  |
Zach LaVine makes driving layup | 124 - 116 |
| 4th 26.1 |  |
Christian Braun makes free throw 2 of 2 | 124 - 114 |
| 4th 26.1 | |
Christian Braun makes free throw 1 of 2 | 123 - 114 |
Statistics
 DEN |
 SAC |
|
|---|---|---|
| 43-86 | FG | 43-92 |
| 50.0 | Field Goal % | 46.7 |
| 13-34 | 3PT | 16-36 |
| 38.2 | Three Point % | 44.4 |
| 25-31 | FT | 14-17 |
| 80.6 | Free Throw % | 82.4 |
| 45 | Rebounds | 40 |
| 12 | Offensive Rebounds | 11 |
| 33 | Defensive Rebounds | 29 |
| 30 | Assists | 25 |
| 7 | Steals | 2 |
| 5 | Blocks | 5 |
| 7 | Turnovers | 8 |
| 0 | Team Turnovers | 0 |
| 7 | Total Turnovers | 8 |
| 0 | Technical Fouls | 0 |
| 0 | Total Technical Fouls | 0 |
| 0 | Flagrant Fouls | 0 |
| 12 | Points Conceded Off Turnovers | 13 |
| 21 | Fast Break Points | 16 |
| 52 | Points in Paint | 46 |
| 16 | Fouls | 22 |
| 16 | Largest Lead | 2 |
Sacramento Kings Injuries
| NAME, POS | STATUS | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Malik Monk, SG | Day-To-Day | Jul 3 |
Denver Nuggets Injuries
| NAME, POS | STATUS | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter Tyson, F | Day-To-Day | Jul 18 |
Game Information
Location: Sacramento, CA
Attendance: 16,161 · Capacity:
2024-25 Northwest Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oklahoma City |
68 | 14 | .829 | - | W4 |
 Denver |
50 | 32 | .610 | 18 | W3 |
 Minnesota |
49 | 33 | .598 | 19 | W3 |
 Portland |
36 | 46 | .439 | 32 | W1 |
 Utah |
17 | 65 | .207 | 51 | L2 |
2024-25 Pacific Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 LA Lakers |
50 | 32 | .610 | - | L1 |
 LA Clippers |
50 | 32 | .610 | - | W8 |
 Golden State |
48 | 34 | .585 | 2 | L1 |
 Sacramento |
40 | 42 | .488 | 10 | W1 |
 Phoenix |
36 | 46 | .439 | 14 | L1 |
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