Nikola Jokić’s second dubious ejection of the season was not enough to sink the Denver Nuggets with the defending champions finishing atop the Bulls 114-106 in Chicago.
The reigning Finals MVP was tossed just shy of the half after arguing with officials in the aftermath of what he perceived as a missed foul call on a reverse layup.
In his absence and with Jamal Murray (ankle) sidelined, Reggie Jackson stepped up with 25 points and six assists on 5-of-8 from deep whilst Michael Porter Jr. (17 points, seven assists), Aaron Gordon (14 points, six assists), and rookie Julian Strawther (16 points, six assists) also proved crucial.
Denver jumped out to a double-digit lead early and led by six when Jokić left the game, but the Bulls were unable to run them down.
The lead grew to as high as 16 in the second half and remained at more than a possession for the remainder of the game as the Nuggets won their second in a row.
The Nuggets won the paint and rebounding battle whilst hitting on 14 of their 30 three-point attempts and enjoying a 27-point edge in bench scoring.
With Zach LaVine (foot) missing, Nikola Vučević led the way for the Bulls finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists whilst Coby White added 27 points and eight assists.
The Bulls are back in action in Miami on Friday whilst the Nuggets host the Nets on Friday.
