DENVER — It was a brushstroke of brilliance on a painting crafted hundreds of times before. Nikola Jokic pump-faked from the top of the key, coaxing Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s right foot a step too high. Two dribbles came to get past Kuzma, and a left-to-right spin to shed him, setting up the threat of a hook.

Nikola Jokic racked up 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in his return to the lineup, Michael Porter Jr. had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Wednesday night.