MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Denver Nuggets snapped a two-game losing streak in commanding fashion, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 122-110 in an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night. Jamal Murray’s 27 points and Michael Porter Jr.’s double-double led the charge, while Memphis struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses.
Nuggets Bring the Fire After Sunday’s Setback
Coming off a lackluster performance in Sunday’s 105-90 loss to the Grizzlies, the Nuggets responded with energy and aggression. Denver head coach Michael Malone had called for more physicality, and his team delivered from the opening tip. The Nuggets’ defense pressured Memphis into mistakes, forcing 14 turnovers in the first half alone.
Christian Braun contributed a crucial 19 points, and Russell Westbrook notched a triple-double with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. The reigning champions played with purpose, showing why they remain a force even without two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who missed his third straight game for personal reasons.
Grizzlies’ Turnover Troubles Continue
For Memphis, turnovers proved to be their undoing. Entering the game averaging 16.6 giveaways per contest, the Grizzlies lived up to that unfortunate reputation, committing 16 by halftime. These mistakes led to 16 points for Denver and a double-digit halftime deficit.
Santi Aldama shone for Memphis, tying his career high with 28 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 19 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, while Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in 16 points. But their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Denver’s dominance.
Third Quarter Blitz Seals the Win
The game’s decisive stretch came immediately after halftime. Leading 68-57 at the break, Denver opened the third quarter on a 15-1 run, ballooning their lead to 83-58. This surge created a cushion that allowed the Nuggets to withstand Memphis’ late push in the fourth quarter.
Shooting Percentage Tells the Story
One of the key differences between Sunday’s loss and Tuesday’s win was Denver’s shooting. The Nuggets improved their field goal percentage from 41.7% on Sunday to 48.5% in the rematch. The team is now 8-0 this season when shooting better than 45%, highlighting the importance of offensive efficiency.
Meanwhile, Memphis fell to 0-6 in NBA Cup games over the past two seasons, a stark reminder of their struggles in this competition.
Table: Game Stats Comparison
| Category | Denver Nuggets | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 48.5% | 45.2% |
| Turnovers | 12 | 20 |
| Points off Turnovers | 23 | 10 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 44 |
The Nuggets’ victory serves as a statement of resilience, while Memphis is left searching for answers as their turnover woes continue to plague them.
