Jokic records triple-double in return from 5-game absence

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had a 39-point triple-double in his return from a five-game absence due to a left ankle impingement, helping the Denver Nuggets pull away late in the fourth quarter to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Wednesday.

Jokic was averaging a triple-double in his 62 games entering Wednesday's contest. He's second in the NBA in assists (10.3), third in scoring (29.1), and third in rebounds (12.8). The 7-footer posted the NBA's first-ever 30-20-20 stat line in an overtime win against the Phoenix Suns on March 7.

The Serbian last suited up for the Nuggets in a loss to the Washington Wizards on March 15. Denver went 2-3 in Jokic's absence.

Nuggets wing Aaron Gordon also returned from an ankle sprain that kept him out one game. He recorded seven points in 18 minutes of action. Michael Porter added 23 points on 6-of-8 from three.

Both teams were on fire from deep, each going 16-for-37 from downtown.

The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was unavailable due to a foot sprain, and Damian Lillard after the guard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.

Brook Lopez led the way for Milwaukee, tallying 26 points and seven rebounds.

The Nuggets improved to 46-28 and are 1.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for third in the Western Conference. They'll host the Utah Jazz on Friday.

Milwaukee fell to 40-32 after the loss and is scheduled to play the New York Knicks on Friday.