Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record at least 10 triple-doubles in seven straight seasons. The Denver Nuggets beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-101 on Thursday night, their third straight win.

For the season, Jokic had his 115th triple-double, with 26 points, 15 boards, and 10 assists. Denver was also helped by Jamal Murray’s return. Murray missed Tuesday’s game at Chicago because his ankle hurt. Sixteen points were scored by him, and 18 were scored by Peyton Watson for the reigning champion Nuggets.

Denver coach Michael Malone said, “Hey, with Nikola, life gets a lot easier.” “What a great player! He scored 26 points, had 10 assists, grabbed 15 rebounds, and made 10 of his 15 free throws. But I think what made me happy most was Nikola’s defense. I felt like being mean. That is how I want to be, and I think Nikola set the tone for that tonight.

Denver, which is now 10-1 at home, made it hard for Brooklyn’s 3-point shooters. The Nuggets gave up 8 of 30 three-point shots by the Nets, which is 26.7%.

Jokic said, “Our defense was great.” “I believe our defense won the game.” It felt good to win that way.

The Nets played the second of back-to-back games on the road without Dennis Smith Jr., who could not make the trip because he was still recovering from an injury to his upper back. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 17 points to lead them, and Cam Thomas added 13.

Brooklyn’s Jacque Vaughn said that the Nets were going up against “a rested and ready to play team.” Between the two, it was hard on the mind and the emotions. Tonight we just did not have it.”

After being ahead by 13 points at halftime, the Nuggets scored 38 points in the third quarter. In the last seconds of the quarter, Jokic drove for a layup to cap off the run. Before the fourth, they were ahead 90–67. Christian Braun scored a solo dunk in the middle of the fourth to make it 103–78.

Denver’s backups played most of the last period, and they kept a double-digit lead the whole time.

The Nuggets led 52–39 at the half, and Murray scored 14 points. That was the fewest points they would given up in a half all season.