NBA Hoops

Nikola Jokic scores 33 points, Nuggets beat Kings, 121-111

Nikola Jokic scores 33 points, Nuggets beat Kings, 121-111

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets have struggled to hold leads in the third quarter this season. When another one was slipping away, the reigning MVP carried them.

Nikola Jokic had 12 of his high 33 points in the third quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Nuggets beat the Sacramento Kings 121-111 on Friday night to end a two-game losing streak.

“For some reason we play a little sloppy starting third quarters and I tried to challenge them and (Jokic) led the charge,” acting head coach Popeye Jones said.

Jokic reached 20 points for the seventh straight game as Denver got reinforcements back from health and safety protocols.

Forwards Jeff Green and Zeke Nnaji were activated off the COVID-19 list while Aaron Gordon and Bones Hyland played after being sent home from Thursday’s film session due to non-COVID-19 illnesses. Green had 18 points, Hyland 13 and Gordon 10.

Denver coach Michael Malone remained in health and safety protocols and has missed four straight games. Jones, in…

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