Nuggets buzz Hornets behind Nikola Jokic’s 19th triple-double

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) goes to the basket against Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, March 28, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C.Michael Malone barked at his defense, and then stalked the sidelines looking for an explanation.

Even though his team nearly spoiled a double-digit fourth-quarter lead, the Nuggets survived a tense, physical affair Monday night, winning 113-109 against the feisty Hornets.

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the plucky Hornets attacked the paint without abandon and made the Nuggets sweat. Miles Bridges poured in 27 points, and electric point guard LaMelo Ball conducted…