Jamal Murray poured in 30 points and Nikola Jokic orchestrated down the stretch as the Denver Nuggets secured a hard-fought 123-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at FedExForum. Facing a depleted yet determined host, Denver leaned on its championship-tested leaders to withstand a physical second-half charge and close out a five-point victory during 2026-27 NBA Regular Season competition.

The decisive moment

With the game hanging in the balance entering the final two minutes, Murray and Jokic executed consecutive two-man actions to puncture the Memphis defense. Jokic delivered timely assists out of double teams while Murray drilled key late baskets to thwart Memphis's comeback hopes. The Nuggets' offensive discipline under late pressure created just enough separation to seal the contest.

By the numbers

  • Jamal Murray (DEN): 30 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds
  • Nikola Jokic (DEN): 27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
  • Cedric Coward (MEM): 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Cameron Boozer (MEM): 13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
  • Margin of Victory: 5 points in a tight 123-118 finish

Memphis controlled the interior for extended stretches, receiving versatile contributions and double-doubles from both Cedric Coward and Cameron Boozer. However, Denver's primary playmakers combined for 57 points and 16 assists, delivering the surgical execution needed to overcome the Grizzlies' physical rebounding effort.

What it means

For Denver, prevailing on the road despite missing key depth pieces like Julian Strawther, Kristaps Porzingis, and Moses Moody underscores their frontline stability and closing pedigree. Handling adversity away from home reinforces their position among the elite squads. Meanwhile, Memphis showed encouraging fight while navigating an injury-thinned rotation missing Scotty Pippen Jr., Richie Saunders, and Quinten Post, proving their young talent can push premier contenders to the wire.

What to watch next

Both Western Conference clubs remain focused on building consistency as the schedule intensifies. Denver will look to carry this late-game offensive momentum into their upcoming slate, while Memphis aims to build on a competitive effort once their backcourt reinforcements return to the hardwood.

Memphis Grizzlies shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final MEM 118, DEN 123
Nuggets 123, Grizzlies 118 (Nov. 11, at home). Ty Jerome and Jaylen Wells led the Grizzlies with 22 points each. The Grizzlies shot 41-of-89 (46.1%) and 17-of-41 from 3. Every Grizzlies field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report
Denver Nuggets shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final DEN 123, MEM 118
Nuggets 123, Grizzlies 118 (Nov. 11, on the road). Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting. The Nuggets shot 49-of-98 (50.0%) and 14-of-38 from 3. Every Nuggets field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report