Nuggets 123 - Grizzlies 118 (11/11/2026): Murray Shines With 30 Points

The Denver Nuggets pulled off a thrilling win against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, securing a 123-118 victory. This game marked the Nuggets' sixth win of the season, bringing their record to 6-4 and placing them 10th in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies, despite a hard-fought effort, now stand at 7-4, ranked 7th in the conference.

First Half Showdown

The Nuggets came out strong in the first quarter, scoring 35 points against the Grizzlies' 24. Denver's offensive rhythm was evident as they shot 50% from the field throughout the game. Memphis, on the other hand, struggled early but managed to find their footing by the second quarter, scoring 28 points.

By halftime, Denver had a solid 65-52 lead, thanks to the contributions from Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Jokić showcased his versatility with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Murray led all scorers with 30 points. Cameron Johnson also played a crucial role, adding 23 points to the scoreboard.

Second Half Surge

The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Grizzlies, who outscored the Nuggets 38-29. Ty Jerome led the charge for Memphis, finishing the game with 22 points. The Grizzlies capitalized on their three-point shooting, making 41.5% of their attempts from beyond the arc.

Despite Memphis' efforts, Denver's defense remained firm, blocking 11 shots and limiting their turnovers to just four. This defensive discipline helped them maintain their lead even as the Grizzlies closed the gap in the final quarter.

Final Quarter Drama

In the fourth quarter, both teams traded baskets, but Denver's early lead proved insurmountable for Memphis. The Nuggets added 29 points in the quarter, matching the Grizzlies' efforts and securing the win. Memphis showed resilience, with Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward each contributing over 10 rebounds.

Boozer finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Coward added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their individual performances, the Grizzlies fell short due to turnovers, committing 11 compared to Denver's four.

The Grizzlies remained competitive, shooting 90.5% from the free-throw line and displaying excellent perimeter defense. However, the Nuggets' shooting accuracy and team play, reflected in their 34 assists, were too much for the home team to overcome.

Looking Ahead

The Denver Nuggets will next face the New Orleans Pelicans on the road this Saturday. Coach David Adelman will hope to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip. The Nuggets currently hold a 4-2 record in away games, showcasing their strong performance on the road.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies will also travel to face the Pelicans on Friday. Coach Tuomas Iisalo will look to rally his team and bounce back after this close loss. Memphis aims to improve their home record, which currently stands at 2-4.

As both teams prepare for their upcoming challenges, the Nuggets' victory over the Grizzlies sets the tone for an exciting season ahead. With key performances from stars like Jokić and Murray, Denver's fans have plenty to look forward to.

This game highlighted the competitive nature of the Western Conference, where every win counts. As the season progresses, both the Nuggets and Grizzlies will aim to climb the standings and secure a spot in the playoffs.