Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets to Dramatic 134-133 Comeback Victory Over Hawks

In a thrilling NBA showdown on Friday night, Nikola Jokic spearheaded the Denver Nuggets' rally with an impressive stat line of 40 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Despite falling behind by as many as 23 points, Denver stunned the Atlanta Hawks with a 134-133 road victory, extending their winning streak away from home to nine games.

Jamal Murray played a pivotal supporting role, contributing 23 points alongside 12 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cameron Johnson added 17 and 16 points respectively for the Nuggets.

Atlanta's Jalen Johnson delivered a historic performance, achieving a first-half triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists—the fifth such feat recorded since the play-by-play era began in 1997-98. He finished with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a team-high 30 points, while Kristaps Porzingis added 25 as the Hawks endured their third consecutive defeat.

Denver's comeback began after trailing 63-40 late in the second quarter. The Nuggets opened the third quarter with a 19-4 run, narrowing the gap to four points. Atlanta responded with an 16-8 stretch, leading 103-94 heading into the final period.

Facing a nine-point deficit early in the fourth quarter, Denver unleashed a decisive 20-0 run, including two crucial three-pointers from Jamal Murray, to seize a 117-106 lead with just under seven minutes remaining. As the closing moments unfolded, the teams exchanged baskets, culminating with Jokic sinking two key free throws with 17.4 seconds left to make it 133-129.

Alexander-Walker trimmed the lead with two foul shots, but Jokic maintained composure, splitting free throws to preserve a three-point advantage. A blocked three-pointer by Murray and a last-second layup from Alexander-Walker closed the game at 134-133 in Denver's favor.

Earlier, the Hawks dominated the first quarter, shooting 76.2% and hitting eight three-pointers to build a 41-23 lead. Despite the Hawks' strong start, Jokic's leadership and Murray's playmaking proved decisive in the fourth quarter resurgence.

This victory underscores Denver’s resilience and cements their status as one of the NBA’s strongest teams on the road.