Kings interim head coach Doug Christie speaks with the media following Sacramento's 132-123 loss to the Denver Nuggets Thursday at Ball Arena.Christie proud of Kings' ‘resilient' comeback effort despi

It’s the fight that matters – even in a loss. Despite trailing by 22 points at halftime, the Kings showed resilience down the stretch before falling to the Denver Nuggets 132-123 on Thursday night at Ball Arena.

The Kings almost came back from a 25-point deficit on the second night of a back-to-back, but Nikola Jokic was too much to overcome.

Jokic, a three-time MVP, made a three-quarter court shot at the third-quarter buzzer to put the Nuggets up by 25 points. The Kings staged a big fourth-quarter comeback to get within five, but Jokic made four free throws in the final minute to secure the victory for Denver.

Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 22 rebounds and a season-high 17 assists for his fifth straight triple-double, and the host Denver Nuggets held on to beat the Sacramento Kings 132-123 on Thursday night.

For the first time since Doug Christie took the helm as head coach, the Sacramento Kings have lost back-to-back games.

The Sacramento Kings (23-20) are visiting the Denver Nuggets (27-16) on Thursday night; find out how to watch the free live stream here.

Another day, another historic feat for Nikola Jokic. On Thursday, the Nuggets star became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968 to register a 35/20/15 game. Jokic posted his fifth consecutive triple-double — 35 points, 22 rebounds, 17 assists — as the Nuggets beat the Kings, 132-123, to extend their winning streak to four.

Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 22 rebounds and a season-high 17 assists for his fifth straight triple-double, and the host Denver Nuggets held ... interim head coach Doug Christie.

DENVER -- - Nikola Jokic had his fifth straight ... The Kings lost for the third time in 13 games since Doug Christie took over as the interim coach. The Kings scored the first 14 points of ...

While the NBA and its fans are focused on the upcoming trade deadline, the games keep coming — and the best keep separating themselves from the rest. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7, Last Week No. 2).

Eric Gordon (14 points on 5-for-8 shooting) put the Sixers up 33-32 early in the second quarter with one of his characteristically deep threes. The 36-year-old’s level of play has dramatically improved the last three weeks. He’s shot 34 for 64 (53.1 percent) from three-point territory over his past 12 games.