Jokić Had a Triple-Double in 26 Minutes. Chicago Still Made Denver Work.

By 6ixOct 12, 2026 · 3 min read

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Denver Nuggets

Chicago Bulls

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NBA / PRESEASON / WEEK 2 · 2026-10-08–2026-10-14

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Denver won, but Chicago's first-half offense and Denver's defensive lapses both deserve a closer look.

BY 6IX · 3 MIN READ

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IN THIS STORYTHE BREAKDOWN

Nikola Jokić recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in just over 26 minutes. Aaron Gordon scored 25. Chicago led 68-59 at halftime, but Denver put up 40 in the third quarter and won 133-128.

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6ix Take: We've gotten so used to Jokić being ridiculous that a triple-double in 26 minutes barely surprises anybody. But Denver giving up 128 is not some defensive masterpiece. Chicago wasn't just getting cardio in — the Bulls made Denver work.

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The other side: Both teams are experimenting with preseason lineups, so one defensive lapse isn't a full-season diagnosis. Chicago showed real offensive promise even in defeat.

What's next: Denver needs to tighten the defense around its star. Chicago needs to turn productive stretches into complete games.

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