On January 1, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone complimented his players for being “locked in” after Jamal Murray scored 11 of his 25 points in another strong third quarter to upset visiting Charlotte 111-93, their 11th consecutive loss.

The current NBA champions dominated Charlotte 40-17 in the third quarter with Michael Porter Jr. scoring 22 points, Nikola Jokic 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Reggie Jackson 15 points.

“Guys were locked in and defense was leading to offence,” Malone told ESPN.

“When Jamal, Michael, and Nikola play that well, we can go on runs like that. Denver Nuggets basketball: we took care of it in the second half.”

After missing two games due to dog bite injuries to his face and hand, Aaron Gordon returned and scored 10 points for Denver.

Murray added, “It’s always good having him out there, just his energy on the glass, or catching lobs, playing defense, whatever it is.

“Obviously, he was trying to get his legs back tonight after being out for a while. Just having him around was nice. The squad accepted him.”

Charlotte’s Miles Bridges had 26 points and nine rebounds, Brandon Miller and Nick Richards 15 each, and Bryce McGowens and Ish Smith 10 each.

Smith won an NBA championship with the 2022-23 Nuggets. His ring arrived before the game.

“To see everyone come to centre court and enjoy it with me was fun because we did it together,” he remarked.

In a Dec. 23 win in Charlotte, the Nuggets outscored the Hornets 30-9 in the third quarter with a 25-1 surge and almost did it again on Jan. 1.

Porter began the second half with a three-pointer, and Denver dominated.

Jokic scored two free throws, a turnaround hook jumper, a three-point play, and a 12-footer. After Murray scored a three-pointer, Gordon made a layup, then Murray Һit another after a steаl to make it 69-51 with 7:41 remaining.

Richards’ dunk interrupted the 17-0 run, but Murray made three free throws, Porter Һit from deep, and Jokic scored four straight to lead 79-55.

The quarter saw the Nuggets lead 25 points, while the fourth saw them lead 27.

Denver has outscored the Hornets 70-26 in the third quarter in both meetings this season.

“That third quarter was a bugaboo for us,” Smith said.

But we must keep learning and evolving. We’ll be okay, but I detest learning from defeats. Good teams push through, so we will too.” REUTERS