The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 127-112, at Moda Center on Friday.

While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Denver, they never relinquished the lead after the opening five minutes. A 38-28 second quarter gave them a 15-point lead at the half, maintaining a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half. They got their lead up to 22 points at times. The Nuggets shot 59 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Denver also out-assisted Portland, 38-25.

The Nuggets (38-19) were led by Michael Porter Jr, providing 34 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Jokic collected 29 points, 15 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon accrued eight points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Collin Gillespie led the bench with 18 points, two rebounds and four assists.

The Trail Blazers (15-40) were led by Jerami Grant, generating 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Anfernee Simons finished with 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 14 points and three assists.

Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Portland remaining home to play the Charlotte Hornets and Denver staying on the road to face the Golden State Warriors.