The Brooklyn Nets (13-25) knew that they had a tough test ahead of them as they would begin their six-game west coast road trip on Friday at the Denver Nuggets (22-15) without some of their usual players available.

Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, Russell Westbrook added 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-105 on Friday.

The short-handed Nets hit the road and played three strong quarters of basketball in Denver on Friday, but Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets unleashed an offensive avalanche in the third quarter that ultimately led to a 124-105 loss.

The Denver Nuggets have won five of their last seven games, heading into a matchup against a weaker Brooklyn Nets team on Friday. The Nuggets have been carried by superstar center Nikola Jokic this season, averaging 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, as he seems to be on his way to his fourth NBA MVP win in five years.

Murray would leave the Brooklyn game before halftime and wouldn't return as he finished with seven points and three assists in 16 minutes. He is listed as “questionable” for the Mavericks contest as he had left knee inflammation,