The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 113-100, at Ball Arena on Thursday.

There were 12 ties and 10 lead changes in the first half, but Denver never relinquished the lead in the second half. The Nuggets actually outscored the Knicks in all four individual quarters, grabbing a game-high 14-point lead at the beginning of the fourth. Denver shot 54 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line, while New York shot 48 percent from the field and 77 percent from the charity stripe. The Nuggets also out-rebounded the Knicks, 50-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 66-46.

The Knicks (41-28) were led by Jalen Brunson, finishing with 26 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Isaiah Hartenstein had 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 11 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Miles McBride totaled 11 points, three rebounds and three assists. Alec Burks led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals.

The Nuggets (49-21) got another triple-double from Nikola Jokic, collecting 30 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Michael Porter Jr hit 13 of his 16 shots to finish with 31 points and eight rebounds. Jamal Murray totaled 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Aaron Gordon generated 10 points, four rebounds and eight assists.

Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Denver traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and New York returning home to play the Brooklyn Nets.