Jokic’s triple-double leads Nuggets over Nets

Nikola Jokic totaled 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists for his leagueleading 28th triple-double as the visiting Denver Nuggets took control in the first quarter and led virtually the entire way in an 108-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday in New York.

Michael Porter Jr. led all scorers with 28 points to go along with nine boards, as the Nuggets (48-24) won for the second time in seven games after taking a six-point loss to the New York Knicks Saturday afternoon. Jamal Murray added all 25 of his points in the first half as Denver shot 52.5 percent, marking the fifth straight game it shot at least 50 percent.

Jokic made 9 of 12 shots and recorded his 104th career triple-double and second in as many weeks against the Nets. A week ago in Denver, the center totaled 35 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists in a two-point loss.

Jokic, Porter and Murray were a combined 28of-49 from the floor and also combined for 21 of Denver’s 31 assists.

Mikal Bridges scored a team-high 23 points for the Nets (39-32), who dropped their third straight and fell 2 1/2 games behind the fifthplace Knicks in the Eastern Conference. Nic Claxton added 19 and Cameron Johnson contributed 14 as Brooklyn shot 46.3 percent but also missed 23 of 35 three-point tries.

Murray capped a 20point opening quarter, when the Nuggets shot 59.1 percent, by hitting a 16-footer with 16 seconds for a 33-21 lead. After Claxton’s three-point play moved the Nets within 42-38, the Nuggets outscored them 21-10 over the final 6:08 and consecutive hoops by Murray made it 63-48 at halftime.

Thunder 124, Suns 120:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead host Oklahoma City to a victory over in Oklahoma City. GilgeousAlexander’s performance and the Thunder’s comeback overshadowed Devin Booker’s 46-point game. Oklahoma City has won seven of its last nine and five consecutive games at home.

Spurs 126, Hawks 118:

Keldon Johnson had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Devin Vassell added 29 points as San Antonio came back from 24 points down to beat visiting Atlanta.