Overview
- Jonas Valančiūnas exited in the third quarter with a right calf strain, was listed as questionable to return, and did not re-enter the game.
- Valančiūnas delivered 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes in his first start replacing Jokic.
- He left the arena wearing a walking boot but moved under his own power, according to The Denver Post via HoopsRumors.
- Nikola Jokic is sidelined for at least four weeks after an MRI confirmed a left-knee hyperextension without ligament damage.
- The Nuggets’ rotation remains depleted as Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun recover from injuries, with Jamal Murray posting 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while DaRon Holmes II logged 22 minutes and projects for a larger role.