The Denver Nuggets secured a place in the playoffs on Thursday, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 122-109, thanks to 35 points from Nikola Jokic and 22 from Aaron Gordon.
Jokic was accidentally elbowed between the forehead and right temple by Jaren Jackson Jr., causing him to bleed in the first minute. The Serbian had to leave the field to receive treatment.
After being forced to return to the bench for the second time, Jokic wore a red elastic band for the rest of the game. Thus, he helped the Nuggets (48-33) get over a turbulent start and prevent the Grizzlies from sweeping them in their season series.
Denver assured to finish among the first six of the Western Conference, so it will advance directly to the playoffs without playing the playoff minitournament.
The Nuggets can still win the Northwest Division if they beat the Lakers on Sunday and if the Utah Jazz (48-32) suffer two losses, against Phoenix and Portland.