Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets clinched a fourth consecutive playoff berth with a 122-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Jokic became the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season.

On Thursday night, Jokic had 35 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and five steals. “Dude is really great at basketball,” teammate Bones Hyland said post the match.

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Jokic’s record comes after taking an inadvertent elbow from Jaren Jackson Jr. to the right forehead and temple that drew blood in the opening minute.

After having to retreat to the bench twice to stop the bleeding, Jokic donned a red headband for the remainder of the game as he helped the Nuggets (48-33) overcome a shaky start to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Grizzlies.

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Despite missing stars Jamal Murray and Kevin Porter Jr., the Nuggets clinched a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs and avoided the four-team play-in thanks to another outstanding performance from the reigning MVP.

They can still win the Northwest Division with a victory Sunday night against the Lakers and two losses by the Utah Jazz (48-32), who finish up against Phoenix and Portland.

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Aaron Gordon added 22 points for Denver and Desmond Bane had 14 points for the Grizzlies, who were coming off an overtime loss at Utah on Wednesday night, have already captured the first division title in their history along with securing the second seed in the West.

The Grizzlies are hopeful of getting All-Star guard Ja Morant back this weekend from a right knee injury that has sidelined him since March 18.

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Tip-Ins

Grizzlies: Memphis remains one win shy of tying the franchise record for wins in a single season (56-26 in 2012-13). … Despite back-to-back losses to Utah and Denver, the Grizzlies finished 26-15 away from home, the NBA’s second-best road record.

Nuggets: Murray missed his 81st game, but the Nuggets still haven’t ruled out a return either Sunday in the regular season finale or in the playoffs. Murray tore his left ACL last April 12.

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Up next

Grizzlies: Return home to face New Orleans on Saturday.

Nuggets: Wrap up the regular season at home Sunday night against the Lakers, who are sitting out these playoffs.