The 2025–26 NBA season continued on Sunday with a five-game slate that saw Nikola Jokic join elite company in a Denver Nuggets win. Elsewhere, another veteran big man had a big game to show he’s not washed, while a rookie made quite the impression for his team.
Here are Sunday’s notables:
Nuggets Notch First Win Behind Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double
Nikola Jokic registered a second straight triple-double—14 points, 14 rebounds, 15 assists—to lead the Denver Nuggets (1-1) to a 133-111 romp over the Phoenix Suns (1-2) at Ball Arena.
Jokic’s triple-double in the Nuggets’ second game of the season puts him in elite company with Russell Westbrook (2020–21), Magic Johnson (1981–82, 1982–83), Jerry Lucas (1972–73), and Oscar Robertson (1961–62) as the only five players to start a season with back-to-back triple-doubles.
Jokic had plenty of help, too, with Jamal Murray top-scoring for the Nuggets with 23 points, followed by 20 from Christian Braun, 17 from Aaron Gordon, and 15 from Cameron Johnson. Meanwhile, Devin Booker’s 31 points led all scorers as he tried to carry the fight for the overmatched Suns.
Grizzlies Overcome Pacers Behind Rookie’s Big Night
Rookie Cedric Coward put up his best game yet of the season, pouring in a team-high 27 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) to a 128-103 triumph over the Indiana Pacers (0-2).
Coward fired 22 of his 27 in the second half, when the Grizzlies pulled away from the Pacers. The rookie was a perfect 6-for-6 from deep and had 6 rebounds and 4 assists to boot. Main man Ja Morant finished with 19 points and 8 dimes, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Javon Small added 17 and 16, respectively.
Bennedict Mathurin top-scored for Indiana with 26 points on top of 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Aaron Nesmith chipped in 15 points for the shorthanded Pacers, who were without Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell.
Sixers Overcome Hornets as Joel Embiid Shows Signs of Life
The Philadelphia 76ers (2-0) rallied back from a 97-86 deficit entering the fourth to pull out a 125-121 victory versus the Charlotte Hornets (1-1) at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Joel Embiid bounced back from an underwhelming opening game with a 20-point, 4-assist effort, while Tyrese Maxey continued his hot start, firing 28 points to follow up his 40-point debut. Quentin Grimes added 24 off the bench, including a huge three down the stretch that gave Philly a 122-119 lead. V.J. Edgecombe chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19.
LaMelo Ball led the way for the Hornets with 27 markers, 10 caroms, and 8 dimes but missed a step-back 25-footer in the waning seconds preceding Grimes’s big triple. Collin Sexton, Ball’s backcourt mate, added 20 points and 7 assists.
Complete Scoreboard:
Bulls defeated Magic, 110-98
Thunder defeated Hawks, 117-100
Sixers defeated Hornets, 125-121
Grizzlies defeated Pacers, 128-103
Nuggets defeated Suns, 133-111
