Grizzlies vs Nuggets: Nuggets dominate 126-111 as Jokic leads late stretch

Nikola Jokic delivered a masterclass performance last night as the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies, 126-111, in their final game before the All-Star break. The Serbian MVP dominated with a triple-double to mark his 182nd career achievement of that feat, surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record for second-most in NBA history.

Jokic Breaks Record in Late-Game Dominance

Nikola Jokic took over in the fourth quarter last night, orchestrating the Nuggets offensive sets with precision and power. His 16 assists showcased his playmaking ability while holding Memphis at bay with tenacious rebounding that blocked Grizzlies second-chance opportunities.

The Nuggets entered the game as 13.5-point favorites, and Denver’s controlled performance validated that expectation. Jokic recorded his 182nd triple-double, making history as the second player ever to reach that milestone.

Murray and Supporting Cast Deliver Critical Depth

Jamal Murray played a crucial role in Denver’s balanced attack, contributing to an offensive system that spread the ball effectively across multiple weapons. The Nuggets shot 49 percent from the field and controlled the tempo throughout the matchup.

Head coach Michael Malone‘s squad showed resilience after dropping four of five games before this contest. Denver has struggled with injuries to Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon on the perimeter, yet the core trio maintained their focus.

Grizzlies’ All-Star Break Arrives After Third Straight Loss

Team	Record	Recent Form
Denver Nuggets	34-20	Mixed, W1 entering break
Memphis Grizzlies	20-32	Lost 3 straight, L8 of 10

Memphis faced a Grizzlies team struggling with injuries and roster changes. Ja Morant has been sidelined since January 21 with an elbow injury, while Zach Edey deals with an ankle sprain. The Grizzlies signed Lawson Lovering, a 7-foot-1 rookie, to a 10-day contract to bolster their frontcourt depth.

“It marked Jokić’s 182nd career triple-double, surpassing Oscar Robertson for second-most in NBA history.”

— NBA Official Records, Historic Achievement

Denver Eyes Western Conference Positioning Heading Into the Break

The Nuggets sit third in the Western Conference standings with a 34-20 record, just seven games behind first-place Oklahoma City. This victory preserves Denver’s playoff positioning before the week-long All-Star respite.

Coach Adelman emphasized the importance of ending the first half strong, noting that Wednesday was critical for momentum. Jokic’s performance answered that call decisively.

Will Jokic’s Historic Run Continue After the All-Star Break?

Denver brings Jokic into the All-Star break on an upswing after his stellar performance last night. The triple-double marks his third straight game with that achievement, spotlighting his dominance as the Nuggets eye a deep playoff push in 2026.

The Grizzlies will hope to regroup during their All-Star week and return with Morant potentially available in late February or March. Memphis faces an uphill battle at 20-32, but roster improvements and health could shift their second-half trajectory dramatically.

Sources

• NBA.com – Official game summary and box score for February 11, 2026 contest
• ESPN – Live coverage and injury updates for both Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies
• The Commercial Appeal – Game recap and pre-game preview with key storylines