Jokic’s Brilliance Leaves Sacramento Reeling
The Denver Nuggets are on a tear, and Tuesday night in Sacramento was no exception.
Nikola Jokic put on a clinic, dropping 35 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists as the Nuggets cruised to a 122-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This win marks Denver’s fifth straight, pushing their record to an impressive 8-2 and sending a clear message to the rest of the NBA: the defending champs are locked in.
Kings Falter Despite Early Lead
Sacramento started strong, edging ahead by one after the first quarter. But Denver’s depth and execution proved too much. The Nuggets seized control late in the second quarter and never looked back, building their lead to 101-86 in the fourth thanks to a decisive 16-2 run.
Jamal Murray chipped in 23 points and 8 assists, while
Aaron Gordon added 17 points and 7 assists. Off the bench, Bruce Brown contributed 14 points, giving Denver a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Kings.
Sabonis and Eubanks Lead Kings’ Effort
The Kings, now mired in a three-game losing streak and sitting at 3-8 for the season, leaned on
Domantas Sabonis (19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) and
Drew Eubanks (19 points, 7 rebounds). DeMar DeRozan added 18 points, and Russell Westbrook had 14, but Sacramento’s offense sputtered when it mattered most.
Sacramento’s shooting was respectable (
48.2% from the field), but their three-point accuracy lagged at just
30.3%. Denver, meanwhile, shot a scorching
51% overall and
39.4% from deep, while also dominating the glass with a 48-35 rebounding advantage.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Denver’s 16-2 run in the fourth quarter broke the game open.
- Jokic’s late-game heroics, including a clutch three-pointer and a three-point play, snuffed out Sacramento’s comeback hopes.
- The Kings made several pushes, narrowing the gap to single digits, but Denver’s poise and execution closed the door each time.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Nuggets head to Los Angeles to face the Clippers, looking to extend their win streak and further cement their status as Western Conference favorites. Sacramento, meanwhile, will try to regroup at home against Atlanta, hoping to snap their skid and find answers for their struggling offense.
Expert Takeaway: Nuggets’ Depth and Jokic’s MVP Form
Denver’s ability to win on the road, control the boards, and get contributions from multiple players is a hallmark of championship teams.
Jokic’s MVP-level performance is the engine, but the supporting cast is making Denver look like the team to beat in the West.
For Sacramento, the absence of De’Aaron Fox (recently traded to San Antonio) is glaring, and the team is still searching for its new identity in the post-Fox era. If the Kings can’t tighten up defensively and find more consistent scoring, their playoff hopes may fade fast.
Actionable Takeaways
-
Denver fans: Celebrate Jokic’s dominance and the team’s depth—this squad looks ready for another deep playoff run.
-
Kings fans: Watch for lineup changes and possible trade moves as Sacramento tries to right the ship before the season slips away.
Sources
1. Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings Live Score and Stats
2. 2025 NBA trade deadline tracker: All the latest news, ...
3. Nuggets extend win streak to five with 122-108 victory over ...
4. CAPE CORAL BREEZE
5. Nikola Jokić PUT IN WORK vs Kings | November 11, 2025
6. Nikola Jokic powers for 35 as Nuggets trounce Kings
7. Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings Full Game Highlights
8. 2025-2026 NBA regular season: Sacramento Kings vs. ...
9. Nuggets 122-108 Kings (Nov 11, 2025) Game Recap
