The Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 122-117 on Friday night, led by Jamal Murray’s 32 points and Nikola Jokic’s 29 points and 11 rebounds.

The Nuggets improved to 20-10 thanks to Aaron Gordon’s 18 points and Michael Porter Jr.’s 15.

“The energy we need to get the game started right,” Jokic said when asked why Denver has won four consecutive away games. “I think we had a 14-7 run to start the game and then kind of slowed down.” But we must be the aggressor. We need the one to be in charge of the game.”

Brooklyn has dropped five straight games, dropping to 13-15.

Cam Thomas led the way for Brooklyn with 23 points. Cam Johnson led the way with 17, Dorian Finney-Smith and Mikal Bridges each had 14, Royce O’Neale and Day’Ron Sharpe both had 13, while Nic Claxton scored 10 points and 16 rebounds.

“It’s a pretty good recipe for us,” said Brooklyn coach Jacques Vaughn of the balanced scoring. “I think we had 18 assists at (halftime), over 30 to finish the game; seven dudes in double figures.”

With 19.4 seconds remaining, Thomas’ four-point play pulled the Nets within one point.

“Overall, a good effort from our guys,” stated Vaughn. “I believe we put ourselves in a position to try to win a game.” I believed we were paying attention for the duration of the night.”

Following a timeout, Murray converted three of four free throws to increase the lead to four points. The teams then traded free throws in the final five seconds.

“It worked out,” Murray said after missing a free shot with 18.1 seconds remaining.

Thomas fouled the guard shortly after he collected the offensive rebound. He subsequently made both free throws to put the Nuggets up 118-114.

Due to injuries, the Nets were missing Ben Simmons (left lower back nerve impingement) and Lonnie Walker IV (strained left hamstring).