The Portland Trail Blazers had energy, drive, and plenty moxie as they faced the World Champion Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center on Friday night. They did not have guards Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. They really, really did not have MVP center Nikola Jokic. That privilege belonged to Denver. They took full advantage.
Jokic posted a strong triple double against Portland with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists. Michael Porter, Jr. had a new season high with 34. Colin Gillespe had a career-high 18 off the bench. Jerami Grant put in 25 for the Blazers and Deandre Ayton added 22, but Portland’s best contributors seemed like bit players compared to Denver’s troupe.