Nikola Jokic showcased his dominance once again with his 25th triple-double of the season, steering the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 142-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks and securing the top spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
With 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, Jokic’s performance was pivotal, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed significantly with a game-high 24 points. Adding to the Nuggets’ strength, Jamal Murray returned from injury, adding 16 points to the team’s impressive tally.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive run, clinching their ninth win in 10 games by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-97. D’Angelo Russell led the charge for the Lakers with a stellar 28-point performance, complemented by double-doubles from LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
James orchestrated the offense with 24 points and 12 assists, while Davis dominated the boards with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Notably, the Lakers showcased their resilience with a stunning 19-0 run in the third quarter, solidifying their position in the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
In another compelling matchup, Joel Embiid spearheaded the Philadelphia 76ers to a convincing 116-96 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite returning from a lengthy injury hiatus, Embiid displayed his prowess with 30 points and 12 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. As the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, Embiid’s impact on the court was undeniable, propelling the 76ers to a resounding victory and reaffirming their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
