The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 112-95, at Fiserv Forum on Monday night.

The Bucks (35-19) came into the marquee matchup trying to build on the most noteworthy win yet of the brief Doc Rivers era, a walloping of the Charlotte Hornets. The caliber of opponent was naturally much higher with the defending champion Nuggets (36-18) in town, but Milwaukee was impressively undeterred while building a 60-44 lead over the first two quarters. Any thought of a Denver second-half resurgence was quickly snuffed out in the third quarter, when the hosts outscored their visitors by a 31-19 margin on the way to the comfortable victory.

Nikola Jokic led the way with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Aaron Gordon furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Michael Porter Jr. furnished 11 points, six boards, four assists and one steal.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 36-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists, three steals and two blocks. Damian Lillard registered 18 points, five assists and three rebounds. Bobby Portis finished with 13 points, eight boards and three assists. Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley had matching nine-point, five-rebound efforts, with Lopez adding three assists and three blocks.

The Nuggets return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, while the Bucks host the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.