Nikola Jokic delivered another masterful performance to guide the Denver Nuggets to a hard-fought 122-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on February 11, 2026, at Ball Arena. Jokic finished with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists for his 20th triple-double of the season and the 184th of his career. Despite nine turnovers, his playmaking and presence proved decisive as Denver held off a late Memphis rally.
Jamal Murray added 23 points for the Nuggets. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 21 off the bench, Christian Braun contributed 14, Julian Strawther had 11, and Bruce Brown chipped in 10. Denver enters the All-Star break in third place in the Western Conference with strong home form.
Memphis received a season-high 21 points from GG Jackson. Ty Jerome scored 19, Jaylen Wells added 17, Olivier-Maxence Prosper finished with 14, and Taylor Hendricks had 10. The Grizzlies dropped their fourth consecutive game.
Strong Start and Mid-Game Push by Denver
The Nuggets led 30-28 after the first quarter. They then extended the margin to 14 late in the second period. However, Memphis closed the half on a 10-2 run, cutting the deficit to 60-54 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Denver responded decisively. Jokic hit one of two free throws and scored on a putback. Murray drained a 3-pointer, and Jokic set up Braun for a dunk. As a result, the lead grew to 78-72. Moments later, Hardaway scored inside to make it 83-72. Jokic was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made both free throws. Furthermore, he recorded his 10th assist on Hardaway’s 3-pointer that pushed Denver ahead 93-81 entering the fourth.
Grizzlies Mount Late Comeback
Memphis refused to fade. The Grizzlies trimmed the gap to 103-100 midway through the final period after a 12-0 run capped by Jerome’s 3-pointer. Prosper hit a corner 3-pointer, and Lawson Lovering scored his first NBA points on a layup to make it a two-point game. Consequently, Memphis briefly tied the score with 3:50 remaining.
Denver answered quickly. Hardaway drilled a 3-pointer to regain the lead. Jokic scored four points, including a crucial putback. Murray then sealed the victory with four free throws in the closing moments.
Key Performances and Season Context
Jokic’s all-around dominance once again anchored Denver’s success. His ability to facilitate, rebound, and score under pressure kept the Nuggets in control during critical stretches. Meanwhile, Murray’s scoring and Hardaway’s bench production provided valuable support.
For Memphis, Jackson’s breakout night offered a bright spot. However, the team struggled to contain Denver’s balanced attack and could not sustain momentum after tying late. The loss highlighted ongoing challenges for the young Grizzlies roster.
The Nuggets showed resilience in protecting their lead. Their depth and experience proved vital in the tight finish. As a result, Denver maintains strong positioning in the Western Conference standings heading into the All-Star break.
This victory underscored Jokic’s continued excellence. His triple-double performance reinforced his status among the league’s elite. Meanwhile, Memphis will look to end their skid when play resumes.
Overall, the game featured strong individual efforts on both sides. Denver’s ability to respond to runs secured the win. The result keeps the Nuggets firmly in playoff contention while Memphis searches for consistency in a tough stretch.
