Game ID: 22500377
Orlando Magic @ Denver Nuggets
Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
DEN 25 43 31 27 126ORL 32 22 31 30 115
DEN vs ORL ScoutingDEN vs ORL Scouting
Welcome to the scouting desk. The coffee is cold, the film is play-by-play, and somebody has to explain what happened.
Every game has a hinge — a stretch where it was decided, usually while everyone was watching something else. Start where the evidence lives: the Lineups' face-offs say which five actually won their minutes; the Possessions ledger says who ran ahead of the night's own pace; the Shot Chart says where the points really came from, which is rarely where the highlights were. When all three agree, that is the story. When they don't — that is why this desk has a chair.
DEN availability going into 12/05 · 1 day's restOUT Braun missed 10 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 6 since 11/22, out tonight
OUT Strawther missed 9 since 11/17, out tonight
BACK Pickett back 11/29 after 5, 2 min since (10% of 16)
BACK Nnaji back 11/24 after 2, 11 min since (90% of 12)
NEW Johnson 31 to 36 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 12/07 · 1 day's restOUT Braun missed 11 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 7 since 11/22, out tonight
OUT Strawther missed 10 since 11/17, out tonight
BACK Pickett back 11/29 after 5, 2 min since (10% of 16)
DEN availability going into 12/11 · 3 days' restOUT Braun missed 12 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 8 since 11/22, out tonight
OUT Strawther missed 11 since 11/17, out tonight
BACK Pickett back 11/29 after 5, 6 min since (41% of 16)
NEW Johnson 31 to 36 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 12/15 · 3 days' restOUT Braun missed 13 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 9 since 11/22, out tonight
OUT Strawther missed 12 since 11/17, out tonight
DEN availability going into 12/18 · 2 days' restOUT Braun missed 14 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 10 since 11/22, out tonight
OUT Strawther missed 13 since 11/17, returns tonight: 6 min (40% of 15)
NEW Johnson 31 to 37 min over the last 5
DEN availability going into 12/20 · 1 day's restOUT Braun missed 15 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 11 since 11/22, out tonight
BACK Strawther back 12/18 after 13, 6 min since (40% of 15)
NEW Johnson 31 to 37 min over the last 5
NEW Pickett 16 to 22 min over the last 3
DEN availability going into 12/22 · 1 day's restOUT Braun missed 16 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Watson missed 2 since 12/18, returns tonight: 28 min (94% of 30)
OUT Gordon missed 12 since 11/22, out tonight
BACK Strawther back 12/18 after 13, 5 min since (36% of 15)
NEW Johnson 31 to 36 min over the last 5
NEW Pickett 16 to 22 min over the last 4
DEN availability going into 12/23 · back-to-backOUT Braun missed 17 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 13 since 11/22, out tonight
BACK Watson back 12/22 after 2, 28 min since (94% of 30)
BACK Strawther back 12/18 after 13, 7 min since (50% of 15)
NEW Pickett 16 to 23 min over the last 4
DEN availability going into 12/25 · 1 day's restOUT Braun missed 18 since 11/15, out tonight
OUT Gordon missed 14 since 11/22, out tonight
BACK Watson back 12/22 after 2, 26 min since (88% of 30)
BACK Strawther back 12/18 after 13, 9 min since (58% of 15)
ORL availability going into 12/05 · 1 day's restOUT Banchero missed 10 since 11/14, returns tonight: 20 min (58% of 35)
OUT Cain missed 3 since 11/28, out tonight
BACK Richardson back 12/03 after 2, 16 min since (150% of 11)
ORL availability going into 12/07 · 1 day's restOUT Cain missed 4 since 11/28, out tonight
OUT Howard missed 2 since 12/03, returns tonight: 6 min (46% of 12)
BACK Banchero back 12/05 after 10, 20 min since (58% of 35)
BACK Richardson back 12/03 after 2, 10 min since (93% of 11)
ORL availability going into 12/09 · 1 day's restOUT Cain missed 5 since 11/28, out tonight
BACK Banchero back 12/05 after 10, 22 min since (64% of 35)
BACK Howard back 12/07 after 2, 6 min since (46% of 12)
BACK Richardson back 12/03 after 2, 8 min since (80% of 11)
ORL availability going into 12/13
OUT Cain missed 6 since 11/28, tonight's box is missing
BACK Banchero back 12/05 after 10, 26 min since (73% of 35)
BACK Howard back 12/07 after 2, 6 min since (46% of 12)
BACK Richardson back 12/03 after 2, 8 min since (80% of 11)
ORL availability going into 12/18 · 4 days' restOUT Cain missed 6 since 11/28, out tonight
BACK Banchero back 12/05 after 10, 26 min since (73% of 35)
BACK Howard back 12/07 after 2, 6 min since (46% of 12)
BACK Richardson back 12/03 after 2, 8 min since (80% of 11)
ORL availability going into 12/20 · 1 day's restOUT Fra. Wagner missed 2 since 12/09, out tonight
OUT Cain missed 7 since 11/28, out tonight
BACK Banchero back 12/05 after 10, 29 min since (83% of 35)
BACK Howard back 12/07 after 2, 17 min since (140% of 12)
ORL availability going into 12/22 · 1 day's restOUT Fra. Wagner missed 3 since 12/09, out tonight
OUT Suggs missed 2 since 12/18, out tonight
OUT da Silva missed 2 since 12/18, out tonight
OUT Cain missed 8 since 11/28, returns tonight: 5 min (36% of 13)
BACK Howard back 12/07 after 2, 16 min since (133% of 12)
NEW Black 29 to 35 min over the last 4
NEW Richardson 11 to 16 min over the last 3
ORL availability going into 12/23 · back-to-backOUT Fra. Wagner missed 4 since 12/09, out tonight
OUT Suggs missed 3 since 12/18, out tonight
OUT da Silva missed 3 since 12/18, out tonight
BACK Cain back 12/22 after 8, 5 min since (36% of 13)
NEW Black 29 to 35 min over the last 4
NEW Howard 12 to 21 min over the last 3
NEW Richardson 11 to 21 min over the last 3
ORL availability going into 12/26 · 2 days' restOUT Fra. Wagner missed 5 since 12/09, out tonight
OUT Suggs missed 4 since 12/18, out tonight
OUT da Silva missed 4 since 12/18, returns tonight: 22 min (91% of 24)
BACK Cain back 12/22 after 8, 9 min since (67% of 13)
NEW Black 29 to 35 min over the last 4
NEW Jones 16 to 25 min over the last 4
NEW Penda 13 to 19 min over the last 4
NEW Richardson 11 to 19 min over the last 4
I Know — the desk, before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 130 a night and allowing 118, shooting 55 percent and 45 from three, 28 free throws a game; Jokić at 33 and Murray at 31 a game. That is 5 straight wins. Without Braun (14 straight), Gordon (10 straight). 2 days' rest. Orlando comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 111, shooting 45 percent and 34 from three, 23 free throws a game; Fra. Wagner at 22 and Bane at 22 a game. 4 days' rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the arc, Denver at 45 percent from three to Orlando's 34 and the defense, Orlando allowing 111 a night to Denver's 118. Call it Denver 120, Orlando 115.
12/05 @ ATL 134-133 — DEN notes
DEN won 134-133. DEN shot 53% (47 of 89) to ATL's 52%, 16 of 37 from three, and went to the line 30 times to ATL's 16 — 24 points from the stripe to their 15. Jokić led with 40 (13 of 26, 1 of 8 from three, 13 of 15 at the line); Murray added 23, Hardaway Jr. 17. The hinge was Q3, 40-30: the deficit went from 19 to 9. DEN trailed 54-73 at the half and won the second half 80-60.
12/07 @ CHA 115-106 — DEN notes
DEN won 115-106. DEN shot 52% (43 of 83) to CHA's 45%, 13 of 35 from three. The glass went 35-47 against them. Murray led with 34 (14 of 25, 2 of 9 from three); Jokić added 28, Hardaway Jr. 14. The hinge was Q3, 30-23: DEN came in trailing by 1 and left it ahead by 6. DEN trailed 57-58 at the half and won the second half 58-48. Murray was the night's best plus/minus at +14.
12/11 @ SAC 136-105 — DEN notes
DEN won 136-105. DEN shot 59% (52 of 88) to SAC's 45%, 12 of 29 from three, and went to the line 29 times to SAC's 23 — 20 points from the stripe to their 16. Jokić led with 36 (14 of 16, 6 of 8 at the line); Watson added 21, Johnson 16. The hinge was Q1, 41-26: from level to 15 ahead, and the lead reached 37. Jokić was the night's best plus/minus at +26.
12/15 vs HOU 128-125 — DEN notes
DEN won 128-125 in 1 overtime. DEN shot 51% (43 of 85) to HOU's 51%, 15 of 34 from three, and went to the line 33 times to HOU's 26 — 27 points from the stripe to their 19. DEN turned it over 10 times to HOU's 16. Jokić led with 39 (13 of 27, 5 of 9 from three, 8 of 11 at the line); Murray added 35, Johnson 13. The hinge was Q2, 34-21: DEN came in trailing by 6 and left it ahead by 7.
12/18 vs ORL 126-115 — DEN notes
DEN won 126-115. DEN shot 56% (49 of 88) to ORL's 47%, 16 of 36 from three, and got to the line 15 times to ORL's 26. Murray led with 32 (11 of 22, 7 of 12 from three); Jokić added 23, Johnson 19. The hinge was Q2, 43-22: DEN came in trailing by 7 and left it ahead by 14, and the lead reached 21. Johnson was the night's best plus/minus at +27.
12/20 vs HOU — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 128 a night and allowing 117, shooting 54 percent and 42 from three, 26 free throws a game; Jokić at 33 and Murray at 27 a game. That is 5 straight wins. Without Braun (15 straight), Gordon (11 straight). One day's rest. Houston comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 119 a night and allowing 119, shooting 50 percent and 39 from three, 21 free throws a game; Sengun at 28 and Durant at 26 a game. It has won the glass by 12 a night. Without Eason (13 straight), Finney-Smith (24 straight). One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Houston has been plus-12 a night and Denver minus-4 and the turnovers, Houston giving it away 18 times a game to Denver's 11. Call it Denver 122, Houston 116.
12/22 vs UTA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 113, shooting 51 percent and 39 from three, 24 free throws a game; Jokić at 30 and Murray at 26 a game. It has lost the glass by 5 a night. Without Braun (16 straight), Watson (2 straight), Gordon (12 straight). One day's rest. Utah comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 127 a night and allowing 132, shooting 47 percent and 38 from three, 29 free throws a game; George at 29 and Bailey at 12 a game. Without Markkanen (2 straight), Kessler (22 straight), Harkless (13 straight). One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the defense, Denver allowing 113 a night to Utah's 132 and the line, where Utah takes 29 free throws a game to Denver's 24. Call it Denver 127, Utah 117, Denver by 10.
12/23 @ DAL — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Dallas comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 119 a night and allowing 121, shooting 48 percent and 27 from three, 28 free throws a game; Flagg at 25 and Davis at 24 a game. Second night of a back-to-back. Denver comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 125 a night and allowing 114, shooting 51 percent and 43 from three, 25 free throws a game; Jokić at 27 and Murray at 24 a game. Without Braun (17 straight), Gordon (13 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: Denver wins, on the road, and the game turns on the arc, Denver at 43 percent from three to Dallas's 27 and the turnovers, Dallas giving it away 16 times a game to Denver's 11. Call it Denver 121, Dallas 116.
12/25 vs MIN — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Denver comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 124 a night and allowing 120, shooting 51 percent and 44 from three, 21 free throws a game; Murray at 28 and Jokić at 26 a game. It has lost the glass by 4 a night. Without Braun (18 straight), Gordon (14 straight). One day's rest. Minnesota comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 111 a night and allowing 106, shooting 42 percent and 32 from three, 29 free throws a game; Edwards at 29 and Randle at 20 a game. That is 3 straight wins. One day's rest.
So: Denver wins, and the game turns on the arc, Denver at 44 percent from three to Minnesota's 32 and the defense, Minnesota allowing 106 a night to Denver's 120. Call it Denver 117, Minnesota 115, Minnesota keeping it close.
12/05 vs MIA 106-105 — ORL notes
ORL won 106-105. ORL shot 41% (38 of 92) to MIA's 50%, 12 of 34 from three. ORL turned it over 10 times to MIA's 15. Wagner led with 32 (12 of 22, 4 of 9 from three, 4 of 6 at the line); Suggs added 22, Black 13. The hinge was Q3, 30-19: ORL came in trailing by 3 and left it ahead by 8. ORL trailed 57-60 at the half and won the second half 49-45. Bitadze was the night's best plus/minus at +11.
12/07 @ NYK 100-106 — ORL notes
ORL lost 100-106. ORL shot 38% (36 of 94) to NYK's 43%, 12 of 42 from three. Suggs led with 17 (6 of 16, 1 of 6 from three); Bane added 16, Banchero 16. Q2 was theirs, 24-19, turning a 4-point deficit into a 1-point lead, but the other 3 periods went 87-76 against them. da Silva's -12 in 18 minutes was the worst on the floor.
12/09 vs MIA 117-108 — ORL notes
ORL won 117-108. ORL shot 51% (44 of 87) to MIA's 45%, 15 of 32 from three. ORL turned it over 16 times to MIA's 8, and MIA turned those into 8 steals. Bane led with 37 (14 of 24, 6 of 9 from three); Suggs added 20, Banchero 18. The hinge was Q2, 39-27: the deficit went from 13 to 1. ORL trailed 56-57 at the half and won the second half 61-51. Isaac was the night's best plus/minus at +13.
12/18 @ DEN 115-126 — ORL notes
ORL lost 115-126. ORL shot 47% (43 of 91) to DEN's 56%, 11 of 33 from three, and went to the line 26 times to DEN's 15 — 18 points from the stripe to their 12. Banchero led with 26 (9 of 21, 0 of 4 from three, 8 of 12 at the line); Carter Jr. added 26, Black 22. Q1 was theirs, 32-25, but the other 3 periods went 101-83 against them. They led by as many as 14. T. Jones's -20 in 19 minutes was the worst on the floor.
12/20 @ UTA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Utah comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 124 a night and allowing 136, shooting 47 percent and 38 from three, 30 free throws a game; George at 27 and Markkanen at 26 a game. It has lost the glass by 5 a night. Without Kessler (21 straight), Harkless (12 straight), Tshiebwe (26 straight). One day's rest. Orlando comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 110 a night and allowing 112, shooting 44 percent and 35 from three, 22 free throws a game; Fra. Wagner at 21 and Suggs at 21 a game. Without Fra. Wagner (2 straight). One day's rest.
So: Orlando wins, on the road, and the game turns on the defense, Orlando allowing 112 a night to Utah's 136 and the line, where Utah takes 30 free throws a game to Orlando's 22. Call it Orlando 122, Utah 118, Utah keeping it close.
12/22 @ GSW — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Golden State comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 114, shooting 46 percent and 39 from three, 21 free throws a game; Ste. Curry at 32 and Butler III at 21 a game. It has won the glass by 5 a night. Without Horford (6 straight). One day's rest. Orlando comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 114, shooting 45 percent and 34 from three, 25 free throws a game; Suggs at 20 and Bane at 19 a game. Without Fra. Wagner (3 straight), Suggs (2 straight), da Silva (2 straight). One day's rest.
So: Golden State wins, and the game turns on the turnovers, Golden State giving it away 17 times a game to Orlando's 12 and the arc, Golden State at 39 percent from three to Orlando's 34. Call it Golden State 116, Orlando 114, Orlando keeping it close.
12/23 @ POR — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Portland comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 118 a night and allowing 122, shooting 46 percent and 34 from three, 30 free throws a game; Sharpe at 26 and Avdija at 24 a game. It has lost the glass by 4 a night. Without Holiday (17 straight), Grant (2 straight), Henderson (29 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. Orlando comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 111 a night and allowing 117, shooting 45 percent and 33 from three, 25 free throws a game; Bane at 22 and Banchero at 21 a game. Without Fra. Wagner (4 straight), Suggs (3 straight), da Silva (3 straight). Second night of a back-to-back.
So: Portland wins, and the game turns on the glass, where Orlando has been plus-2 a night and Portland minus-4 and the turnovers, Portland giving it away 18 times a game to Orlando's 13. Call it Portland 118, Orlando 117, Orlando keeping it close.
12/26 vs CHA — I Know, the desk before tip-off
Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in.
Orlando comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 113 a night and allowing 117, shooting 46 percent and 36 from three, 25 free throws a game; Bane at 24 and Banchero at 20 a game. Without Fra. Wagner (5 straight), Suggs (4 straight), da Silva (4 straight). 2 days' rest. Charlotte comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 119 a night and allowing 119, shooting 45 percent and 42 from three, 22 free throws a game; Knueppel at 23 and Miller at 21 a game. Without Kalkbrenner (2 straight), Williams (23 straight). 2 days' rest.
So: Orlando wins, and the game turns on the arc, Charlotte at 42 percent from three to Orlando's 36. Call it Orlando 118, Charlotte 116, Charlotte keeping it close.
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoJoMu 5 12 -3 6 8 75 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 3 2 1 1 1 2
DEN Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray
in Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray
out ---
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrJo 4 12 +4 3 4 75 2 5 40 0 0 0 1 4 4 1 0 1 2
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., T. Jones
in Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., T. Jones
out ---
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoJoMu 5 12 -3 6 8 75 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 3 2 1 1 1 2
DEN Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray
in Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray
out ---
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBlJrHoJo 1 3 -1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 100 0 2 0 0 0 1 1
ORL Banchero, Black, Carter Jr., Howard, T. Jones
in Howard
out Bane
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoMuSt 3 7 -5 2 2 100 1 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Jokić, Murray, Strawther
in Strawther
out Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBiBlPeRi 3 6 -1 3 6 50 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1
ORL Bane, Bitadze, Black, Penda, Richardson
in Bane, Penda, Richardson
out Banchero, Howard, T. Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoMuStVa 1 2 +2 1 2 50 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
DEN Hardaway Jr., Jokić, Murray, Strawther, Valančiūnas
in Valančiūnas
out Brown
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBiBlPeRi 3 6 -1 3 6 50 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1
ORL Bane, Bitadze, Black, Penda, Richardson
in Bane, Penda, Richardson
out Banchero, Howard, T. Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoJoStVa 2 4 +1 2 2 100 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
DEN Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Strawther, Valančiūnas
in Johnson
out Murray
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBiHoPeRi 2 3 -1 0 0 0 1 1 100 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 2
ORL Bane, Bitadze, Howard, Penda, Richardson
in Howard
out Black
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoNnVa 4 8 -5 4 6 67 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 1 0
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Nnaji, Valančiūnas
in Brown, Nnaji
out Jokić, Strawther
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBiHoRi 4 13 +5 2 5 40 3 4 75 0 0 0 2 2 4 1 1 0 2
ORL Banchero, Bane, Bitadze, Howard, Richardson
in Banchero
out Penda
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrMuNnPiVa 1 0 -2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0
DEN Brown, Murray, Nnaji, Pickett, Valančiūnas
in Murray, Pickett
out Hardaway Jr., Johnson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBlJrHoRi 1 2 +2 1 2 50 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
ORL Banchero, Black, Carter Jr., Howard, Richardson
in Black, Carter Jr.
out Bane, Bitadze
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JoJoJoMuPi 4 18 +13 2 2 100 4 5 80 2 2 100 0 5 3 1 0 1 3
DEN Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray, Pickett
in Johnson, Jokić, Jones
out Brown, Nnaji, Valančiūnas
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBlJrPeJo 3 3 -10 1 4 25 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
ORL Banchero, Black, Carter Jr., Penda, T. Jones
in Penda, T. Jones
out Howard, Richardson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoMuPi 3 17 +15 3 3 100 3 4 75 2 2 100 0 6 1 0 0 0 1
DEN Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Murray, Pickett
in Brown
out Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBiBlJo 4 3 -17 1 5 20 0 3 0 1 2 50 1 1 1 0 0 0 3
ORL Banchero, Bane, Bitadze, Black, T. Jones
in Bane, Bitadze
out Carter Jr., Penda
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoJoMu 1 4 0 2 2 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
DEN Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Jones, Murray
in Jones
out Pickett
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrJo 5 14 -1 5 6 83 0 3 0 2 3 67 1 3 3 0 2 0 1
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., T. Jones
in Carter Jr.
out Bitadze
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoJoMu 5 15 +1 6 9 67 1 2 50 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 2
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Murray
in Hardaway Jr.
out Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrJo 5 14 -1 5 6 83 0 3 0 2 3 67 1 3 3 0 2 0 1
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., T. Jones
in Carter Jr.
out Bitadze
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoJoMu 5 15 +1 6 9 67 1 2 50 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 2
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Murray
in Hardaway Jr.
out Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBlJrHoRi 4 15 +6 5 6 83 1 4 25 2 2 100 2 3 6 1 1 1 0
ORL Banchero, Black, Carter Jr., Howard, Richardson
in Howard, Richardson
out Bane, T. Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoMuPi 3 5 -6 1 4 25 1 2 50 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 1 1
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Jokić, Murray, Pickett
in Pickett
out Johnson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBlJrHoRi 4 15 +6 5 6 83 1 4 25 2 2 100 2 3 6 1 1 1 0
ORL Banchero, Black, Carter Jr., Howard, Richardson
in Howard, Richardson
out Bane, T. Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoJoNnPi 2 7 +5 1 1 100 1 1 100 2 2 100 0 3 1 0 0 2 0
DEN Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Nnaji, Pickett
in Johnson, Nnaji
out Brown, Murray
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBiHoRi 1 0 -7 1 3 33 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
ORL Banchero, Bane, Bitadze, Howard, Richardson
in Bane, Bitadze
out Black, Carter Jr.
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoJoNnPi 2 7 +5 1 1 100 1 1 100 2 2 100 0 3 1 0 0 2 0
DEN Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Nnaji, Pickett
in Johnson, Nnaji
out Brown, Murray
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBiHoPeRi 4 8 -3 3 4 75 0 1 0 2 2 100 0 0 3 2 0 2 3
ORL Bane, Bitadze, Howard, Penda, Richardson
in Penda
out Banchero
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoJoPiVa 4 11 +3 3 3 100 1 5 20 2 2 100 1 4 2 2 0 1 3
DEN Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jones, Pickett, Valančiūnas
in Jones, Valančiūnas
out Jokić, Nnaji
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBiHoPeRi 4 8 -3 3 4 75 0 1 0 2 2 100 0 0 3 2 0 2 3
ORL Bane, Bitadze, Howard, Penda, Richardson
in Penda
out Banchero
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
JrJoJoPiVa 4 11 +3 3 3 100 1 5 20 2 2 100 1 4 2 2 0 1 3
DEN Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jones, Pickett, Valančiūnas
in Jones, Valančiūnas
out Jokić, Nnaji
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrHo 9 24 +8 6 11 55 2 4 50 6 9 67 1 9 5 2 1 1 4
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., Howard
in Banchero, Black, Carter Jr.
out Bitadze, Penda, Richardson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoMuPi 3 8 +2 0 3 0 2 2 100 2 3 67 0 2 1 1 0 0 1
DEN Brown, Jokić, Jones, Murray, Pickett
in Jokić
out Valančiūnas
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrHo 9 24 +8 6 11 55 2 4 50 6 9 67 1 9 5 2 1 1 4
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., Howard
in Banchero, Black, Carter Jr.
out Bitadze, Penda, Richardson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJoJoMuPi 3 3 -8 0 3 0 1 2 50 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
DEN Brown, Johnson, Jokić, Murray, Pickett
in Johnson
out Jones
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrHo 9 24 +8 6 11 55 2 4 50 6 9 67 1 9 5 2 1 1 4
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., Howard
in Banchero, Black, Carter Jr.
out Bitadze, Penda, Richardson
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BrJrJoJoMu 1 5 +5 0 0 0 1 1 100 2 2 100 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
DEN Brown, Hardaway Jr., Johnson, Jokić, Murray
in Hardaway Jr.
out Pickett
Lineup MIN PTS PM 2PM 2PA 2P% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OR DR AST STL BLK TO PF
BaBaBlJrHo 9 24 +8 6 11 55 2 4 50 6 9 67 1 9 5 2 1 1 4
ORL Banchero, Bane, Black, Carter Jr., Howard
in Banchero, Black, Carter Jr.
out Bitadze, Penda, Richardson
Who is who
the initials in the Players column
ORLAB A. Black
DB D. Bane
GB G. Bitadze
JH J. Howard
JR J. Richardson
NP N. Penda
PB P. Banchero
SJ S. Jones
TJ T. Jones
WC W. Carter Jr.
DENBB B. Brown
CJ C. Johnson
JM J. Murray
JP J. Pickett
JS J. Strawther
JV J. Valančiūnas
JO Jokic
NJ N. Jokić
TH T. Hardaway Jr.
ZN Z. Nnaji
ORL/DEN the team itself, not a player
-- the feed named nobody
What
What happened
the codes in the Events column
M2 / M3 made 2 / made 3
X2 / X3 missed 2 / missed 3
FT / X1 free throw made / missed
AST assist
OR / DR offensive / defensive rebound
STL steal
BLK block
TO turnover
FL foul
OF offensive foul — ends the possession
VIOL violation
JUMP jump ball
TM timeout
IR instant replay
HE heave at the buzzer, filed to the team
END the clock ran out, ball in hand
Where
Where a shot came from
the middle field of M3.LW.25
RM at the rim inside 4 ft
RC right corner
RW right wing
SO straight on
LW left wing
LC left corner
M3.LW.25 made 3, left wing, 25 ft
X2.RM.01 missed 2, at the rim, 1 ft
When
When it happened
the Offset column
one number per event, in the Events order:
whole seconds from the start of the
possession to that event
Events FL X3.RC.23 OR M2.RM.01
Offset 0 18 22 24
the foul opens the possession at 0s;
the putback ends it at 24s, which is
the possession's own Dur
Jokic sets the career record for assists by a center as the Nuggets beat the Magic 126-115
DENVER -- — Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds to become the career assists leader among centers, and the streaking Denver Nuggets beat the Orlando Magic 126-115 on Thursday night.
Jokic, who has 13 triple-doubles this season, entered Thursday six assists behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had 5,660. Jokic passed him with 6:26 left in the first half when he fed Jalen Pickett for a 3-pointer.
Jamal Murray scored 20 of his 32 points in a game-turning second quarter for Denver, which won its sixth straight.
Paolo Banchero had 26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for his third career triple-double and first since March 20, 2024.
The Magic, already missing leading scorer Franz Wagner due to a sprained left ankle, played without Jalen Suggs , who sustained a left hip contusion in the NBA Cup semifinal loss to New York on Saturday night.
Wendell Carter Jr . also scored 26 points for Orlando.
Murray, who has never been named to an All-Star team in his eight seasons, is averaging a career-best 25.2 points this season and 28.1 in December, which includes a 52-point game at Indiana two weeks ago.
He made 5 of 6 3-point attempts in the second quarter after the Nuggets fell behind by 14.
Denver had 33 total points midway through the period and went on a 35-7 run in the final 6:26 of the half to turn a 47-33 deficit into a 68-54 halftime lead.
It was 81-60 a few minutes into the third quarter before Orlando rallied to cut it to 92-83. Cam Johnson, who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, hit a 3-pointer out of a timeout that spurred another Nuggets surge.
The Magic got within 121-115 with 1:32 remaining but Johnson hit a corner 3-pointer to seal it.
Up next Mavericks: At Utah on Saturday night.
Nuggets: Host the Houston Rockets for the second time in six days on Saturday afternoon.