Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets to 127-117 victory over Bucks with 30th triple-double of the season

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Nikola Jokic made a triumphant return to the court after missing nearly two weeks due to a left ankle injury, putting on a performance that helped the Denver Nuggets secure a 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Jokic recorded his 30th triple-double of the season, leading the league with this remarkable feat. The reigning NBA MVP finished with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing why he's considered one of the best players in the league.

This victory was especially important for the Nuggets, who had struggled with consistency in Jokic's absence, losing three of their last four games. The return of Jokic was a welcome sight, and he didn’t miss a beat, carrying the Nuggets to a win despite some defensive struggles against a depleted Bucks squad. Jokic's impressive night helped him further cement his place as one of the most versatile and dominant players in the NBA.

While Jokic shone, he was supported by Michael Porter Jr., who had a strong outing of his own. Porter finished with 23 points, hitting an impressive five consecutive 3-pointers in the first half. His hot shooting from beyond the arc helped keep the Bucks on their heels throughout the game. Porter’s performance was crucial, as the Nuggets needed all hands on deck to overcome the adversity of the previous weeks.

For the Bucks, the game marked the first contest since the announcement that star guard Damian Lillard would be sidelined due to blood clots in his right calf. In addition to Lillard’s absence, Milwaukee was also without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was out due to a sprained left foot. The team also continues to deal with the suspension of Bobby Portis, who is serving a 25-game suspension. Despite these significant absences, the Bucks showed resilience, with Brook Lopez leading the team with 26 points, marking his third consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. Lopez’s efforts, along with contributions from the rest of the squad, helped the Bucks stay competitive, but they ultimately fell short.

The Bucks’ defensive efforts were hampered by their injuries, and they struggled to keep up with the Nuggets’ high-powered offense. Denver had a commanding lead for most of the game, but the Bucks did make a push in the third quarter. After leading for the first 31 minutes, the Nuggets found themselves trailing 88-83, but quickly regained control with a 13-1 run, capped off by a 3-pointer from Christian Braun. This burst of scoring allowed the Nuggets to reclaim a comfortable lead, and they held on to it for the rest of the game.

The loss marked a disappointing stretch for the Bucks, who have now gone 4-7 in their last 11 games. Despite their valiant efforts without some of their top players, the Bucks couldn't overcome the Nuggets' offensive firepower.

Key stats from the game include Russell Westbrook’s steal in the first quarter, which was the 1,944th of his career, tying him with Kobe Bryant for the 16th-most steals in NBA history. Westbrook had previously passed Kevin Garnett to become the NBA’s 20th all-time leading scorer.

The Nuggets, now with Jokic back in the lineup, will look to build momentum as they prepare for their next game against the Utah Jazz on Friday, March 28. The Bucks, on the other hand, will host the New York Knicks in their next matchup, also on Friday, March 28.

The game provided a reminder of the importance of Jokic to the Nuggets' success and how quickly a team can get back on track when they have their star player on the floor. While the Bucks will have to navigate the remainder of the season without some of their key players, they are hopeful that their collective efforts can keep them competitive as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.