Jokic Shines as Nuggets Dominate Lakers, 127-102
Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance with 34 points and 13 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Los Angeles Lakers 127-102. The victory extended Denver’s dominance in their rivalry, marking their 13th win in the last 14 meetings, including recent playoff eliminations. While Jokic narrowly missed a sixth consecutive triple-double with eight assists, strong contributions from Michael Porter Jr. (24 points, 11 rebounds) and Jamal Murray (14 points) secured the win. Denver exploded with a 70-39 second-half run, giving head coach Michael Malone his franchise-record 443rd victory.
The Lakers (10-6), who had been on a hot streak with six wins in their previous seven games, were led by Austin Reaves’ 19 points, while LeBron James added 18, and Anthony Davis recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds. Denver improved to 9-6, snapping their recent slump of three losses in four games.
Giannis, Lillard Propel Bucks Past Hornets, 125-119
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 63 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a hard-fought 125-119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Despite LaMelo Ball’s career-high 50-point game and 10 assists, the Bucks secured their fourth straight win, improving to 8-9 after a rocky start. Antetokounmpo added 11 rebounds and six assists, while Lillard praised the team’s growing chemistry, noting their improved play on both ends of the court.
Charlotte’s Brandon Miller impressed with 32 points and 11 rebounds, keeping the game close until late free throws by Taurean Prince and Antetokounmpo sealed the Bucks’ win.
Wembanyama Leads Spurs’ Comeback Over Warriors
Victor Wembanyama shone with 25 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a 104-94 victory against the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs overcame a 21-point deficit, outscoring the Warriors 33-13 in the fourth quarter to improve to 9-8. Harrison Barnes contributed 22 points, while former Warrior Chris Paul chipped in with nine points and seven assists.
Golden State, now 12-4, struggled offensively, shooting only 36.9%. Andrew Wiggins led the team with 20 points, while Stephen Curry added 14.
Around the NBA: Jazz, Grizzlies, and Magic Victorious
- Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen dropped 34 points to end Utah’s four-game skid with a 121-106 win over the New York Knicks, snapping New York’s four-game win streak. O.G. Anunoby led the Knicks with 27 points.
- Memphis Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr. tallied 30 points and 10 assists to lead Memphis to a 142-131 victory over Chicago. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 29 points.
- Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner’s near triple-double (30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists) powered the Magic past Detroit 111-100, maintaining their perfect 8-0 home record.
- Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons scored 25 points and Shaedon Sharpe added 24 as Portland edged the Houston Rockets 104-98, with Donovan Clingan grabbing 19 rebounds to anchor the defense.
