Jamal Murray explodes for 55 as Nuggets top Blazers

(Reuters) - Jamal Murray poured in a career-best 55 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 132-121 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Murray's output is the third-most in Nuggets' history. David Thompson scored a franchise-record 73 on the final day of the 1977-78 season when he was outdueled by George Gervin for the scoring title. Nikola Jokic's 56 points against Washington on Dec. 7 of this season ranks second.

Murray knocked down 20 of 36 shots, including 7 of 15 from 3-point range, while pacing Denver to its eighth straight victory.

Jokic added 26 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, and Christian Braun had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets. Zeke Nnaji had 16 points and Julian Strawther scored 11 for Denver.

Anfernee Simons scored 26 points as Portland lost its third straight after winning six in a row. Rookie Donovan Clingan had 17 points and a career-best 20 rebounds and Jabari Walker also scored 17 points for the Trail Blazers.

Denver shot 51 percent from the field and made 15 of 38 from 3-point range (39.5 percent) in the final game prior to the All-Star break for both teams.

Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring), Aaron Gordon (calf) and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) sat out for the Nuggets.

Portland was missing Deandre Ayton (calf), Jerami Grant (knee), Scoot Henderson (ankle) and Robert Williams III (knee).

Deni Avdija, Dalano Banton and Shaedon Sharpe all had 14 points for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara added 13.

Murray scored 30 points in the first half and added 15 more in the third quarter.

Denver's lead was 98-75 after two free throws by Murray with 3:26 left in the third before the Trail Blazers cut their deficit to 107-91 entering the final stanza.

Murray scored two baskets early in the fourth quarter before Sharpe ripped off nine straight points to bring Portland within 111-102 with 9:02 left in the contest.

Murray topped 50 with a driving floater with 7:50 remaining as the Nuggets led 114-102.

Jokic secured his 25th triple-double of the season when he threaded a pass to a wide-open Nnaji under the basket for a 126-115 lead with 2:32 left as Denver closed it out.

Murray was 10 of 15 from the field -- including 6 of 10 from 3-point range -- during his huge first half that propelled the Nuggets to a 75-56 lead.

Murray scored 14 points in the opening frame as the Nuggets led 40-27 after 12 minutes.

Murray hit two 3-pointers late in the half to reach 29. He was fouled with 0.5 seconds left and made the first free throw for 30. He missed the second but Jokic was charging in from near the 3-point line and got his hand on the ball and tipped it in before time expired.