Despite Nikola Jokic’s big game, Nuggets lose fourth straight

The Indiana Pacers absorbed a triple-double from Nikola Jokic to defeat the host Denver Nuggets 125-120 on Sunday.Myles Turner scored 24 points for Indiana, Obi Toppin contributed 22, Andrew Nembhard had 19 and Aaron Nesmith added 17 as Indiana (47-31) marched to its fourth successive win and strengthened its grip on fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.Jokic finished with 41 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists for his 32nd triple-double of the season while Christian Braun scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half. But the duo couldn’t prevent Denver (47-32) from crashing to its fourth straight loss.The Pacers forged an eight-point lead deep into the fourth quarter before Braun helped the Nuggets rally and get to within one with 2:46 to play and within two in the final minute.With Denver down 122-120, Braun rebounded Turner’s missed 3 but Jokic threw an errant pass meant for Russell Westbrook with 15.8 seconds remaining, handing possession back to Indiana.Nesmith hit two free throws for 124-120 before Jokic missed a 3-point shot with seven seconds remaining.Jokic poured in 21 points in the opening period — the fourth time in his career he has scored 20-plus in a first quarter — on 9-of-15 shooting to give the Nuggets the early lead.With Jokic dominant, Denver hit 15 of 24 from the floor, outrebounded Indiana 13-7 and led 33-24 after one.Jokic, who played all 12 minutes of the opening frame, sat out the first 5:09 of the second before returning and helping the Nuggets’ lead grow to 50-37.