The Denver Nuggets moved into the lead in the first five minutes and steadily grew the gap during a 157-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at the Moda Center.
Denver shot 55-for-96 (57.3%) on the night and had seven players score in double figures. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points.
“One of our worst games of the season. The Nuggets had a sense of urgency to win this game, and we came off the break (All-Star) and just weren’t ready,” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said. “We have to go to Phoenix and bounce back from this.”
Jrue Holiday led the Blazers with 19 points on 4-of-8 (50%) shooting from 3-point range.
The Nuggets outrebounded Portland by 22 and held a 54-28 advantage in points in the Paint.
Portland (27-30) plays at Phoenix (32-24) on Sunday night.