Jokic carries short-handed Nuggets past Hornets 119-105

CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assistsfor his league-leading 20th triple-double and the short-handedDenver Nuggets handed the Charlotte Hornets their seventh straightdefeat, 119-105 on Saturday night.

KentaviousCaldwell-Pope added 15 points and Bruce Brown and Michael PorterJr. each had 14 for the Nuggets.

Denver playedwithout Aaron Gordon (rib contusion) and Jamaal Murray (kneeinflammation), but outscored the Hornets 62-45 in the secondhalf.

Jokic now hastwice as many triple-doubles as Dallas’ Luka Doncic, who was secondin the league with 10 entering the weekend.

But thetwo-time NBA MVP said that doesn’t mean a thing to him, adding,“it’s just how I play, and I don’t even think about it.”

He was moreexcited about the Nuggets snapping a four-game losing streak on theroad.

“It’s reallyimportant just to get back to winning after our loss (Thursdaynight) to Orlando,” Jokic said. “We didn’t start well, but in thesecond half our defense won the game.”

Jokic madelight work of Hornets rookie Mark Williams and third-year playerNick Richards, using his big body to post up on the low block toseemingly score at will with overpowering moves in the lane.

When theHornets doubled him, Jokic found open teammates.

Williams andRichards are seeing more extensive playing time after the Hornetstraded Mason Plumlee to the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Knowing thatMason Plumlee is not here and they have younger guys, yeah you wantto try to go out there and test them,” Nuggets coach Michael Malonesaid. “Mark Williams is only going to get better playing throughhis mistakes. Nick Richards getting to play meaningful minutes offthe bench will get better against guys like Nikola.

“We alwayssay in the NBA, you have to get baptized. Young guys have to gothrough the fires and get their (butts) kicked once in a while.That’s how you learn, that’s how you improve and how you getbetter.”

This wasJokic’s second big game this season against Charlotte.

Jokic had 40points, 27 rebounds and 10 assists in Denver’s 119-115 win inDecember.

“They went tohim every play,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “We needed tohave ways to keep him off balance, which we didn’t. He showed youwhy he’s been an MVP, and he may be again.”

P.J.Washington had 22 points and Gordon Hayward added 21 for Charlotte.LaMelo Ball finished with 18 points, 12 assists and ninerebounds.

The Hornetsendured another rough night from the foul line, converting just 17of 29 attempts. Charlotte is 28 of 52 from the stripe in its lasttwo home games.

The Hornetsjumped out to a 26-12 first-quarter lead behind 13 points fromHayward, who was 6 of 7 from the field. But the Nuggets would trimthe lead to three at halftime as the Hornets faltered from the freethrow line, going 2 of 11 before the break.

Denver(39-18) pulled away in the third quarter behind Jokic,Caldwell-Pope and Porter, who combined for 26 points.

BRYANT SITS OUT

Malone saidhe didn’t feel right playing center Thomas Bryant, who was acquiredThursday in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Malone said heloves Bryant’s work ethic and he will soon figure into the Nuggetsrotation.

Jokic said iseager to see what Bryant can do after averaging 12.2 points and 6.8rebounds with the Lakers.

“We have tolearn about him and see how he can help us and he needs to see ifhe can help us, too,” Jokic said. “I’m excited to have anotherplayer who can contribute and help us win.”

TIP-INS

Nuggets:Outrebounded the Hornets 51-37. ... Shot 5 of 23 from 3-pointrange.

Hornets: Shotjust 8 of 32 from beyond the 3-point arc.