December 19th - The Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 126-115. Nikola Jokic contributed 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists; Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points. For the Magic, Ben Clint Banchamek had 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists; Vince Carter scored an efficient 26 points, but the team's overall depth was slightly lacking.

In the first quarter, the Magic repeatedly attacked the basket, quickly establishing a double-digit lead and ending the quarter 32-25. In the second quarter, the Nuggets gradually found their offensive rhythm and significantly improved their defensive intensity. Murray scored 20 points in the quarter , leading the team to a comeback and a 68-54 lead at halftime .

At the start of the second half, the Nuggets extended their lead to 21 points. Although the Magic relied on Carter's strong inside attacks and Banchalo's playmaking to narrow the gap to single digits, the Nuggets stabilized the situation through teamwork and led 99-85 after three quarters. In the final quarter, the Nuggets once again extended their lead to 19 points. The Magic once narrowed the gap to 6 points, but Jokic delivered consecutive assists to widen the score again. In the end, the Nuggets defeated the Magic 126-115.

Magic player statistics

Bankels had 26 points , 16 rebounds , and 10 assists; Carter had 26 points and 9 rebounds ; Black had 22 points , 2 rebounds, and 3 assists; Howard had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Richardson had 9 points , 1 rebound , and 2 assists; Bane had 6 points , 2 rebounds , and 8 assists; Bitadze had 6 points , 4 rebounds, and 1 assist; Jones had 5 points and 4 assists .

Nuggets player statistics

Murray 32 points , 2 rebounds, 3 assists; Jokic 23 points, 11 rebounds , 13 assists; Johnson 19 points, 11 rebounds , 3 assists; Hardaway 12 points, 4 rebounds; Brown 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists; Valanciunas 10 points , 5 rebounds; Pickett 9 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists; Jones 8 points, 1 rebound , 1 assist .