“Vučević Needed a Rebound for Two Columns, While Jokić Aimed for an Assist to Fulfill Three”
Jokić clearly opted for a low-key celebration for his 30th birthday. Photo: REUTERS
The Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Charlotte Hornets with a score of 129 to 115, marking their ninth straight victory in the NBA.
Jamal Murray shone for Denver, scoring 34 points, while Serbian star Nikola Jokic contributed 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. Aaron Gordon added 18 points and seven rebounds, with Julian Strother chipping in 16 points.
For Charlotte, which was missing LaMelo Ball due to injury, Miles Bridges led the charge with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. Josh Green scored 19 points, Nick Smith Jr. contributed 16 points, and Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic recorded nine points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists in just 10 minutes of play.
Currently, Denver sits second in the Western Conference standings with 37 wins and 19 losses, while Charlotte finds itself in second-to-last place in the East with a record of 14-40.
In another matchup, Milwaukee defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-110 at home, bringing an end to their three-game winning streak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was Milwaukee’s standout player with 23 points and eight rebounds. Brook Lopez contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, while Damian Lillard had 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points, while James Harden added 24 points and eight assists. Croatian center Ivica Zubac managed 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, and Serbian national team captain Bogdan Bogdanović recorded 20 points (shooting 15/4 from three), alongside five assists, two rebounds, and two steals in just 7 minutes of play.
Milwaukee currently holds the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with 30 wins and 24 losses, while the Clippers are sixth in the West with a record of 31-24.
San Antonio secured a home victory against Phoenix, winning 120-109 and handing the Suns their fourth straight loss.
De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 26 points, alongside nine rebounds and seven assists. Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie each scored 15 points. Chris Paul added 13 points and 10 assists, while Stephon Castle contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. This marked San Antonio’s first game following the diagnosis of a blood clot in center Victor Wembanyama’s right shoulder, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Phoenix’s top performers were Royce O’Neal with 27 points and Kevin Durant with 22 points. Bradley Beal managed 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, and Devin Booker added 17 points and eight assists. Serbian international Vasilije Micić did not make his debut, as he did not enter the game.
San Antonio stands 12th in the Western Conference with 24 wins and 29 losses, while Phoenix, suffering their seventh loss in the last eight games, sits 11th with a record of 26-29.
Boston defeated Philadelphia 124-104, powered by Peyton Pritchard’s 28 points, achieving their fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 16 points and 20 rebounds as Cleveland triumphed 110-97 over Brooklyn, marking their fifth consecutive victory.
New York edged past Chicago 113-111 in overtime, handing the Bulls their fifth consecutive defeat. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 32 points and 18 rebounds, while Josh Giddy was Chicago’s standout with 27 points and 16 rebounds.
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero led his team to a win against Atlanta with 114 points and 108 rebounds. In the Lakers’ 110-102 victory over Portland, LeBron James was the top performer with 40 points.
Indiana claimed victory over Memphis with a score of 127-113, bolstered by Tyrese Halliburton’s 22 points and nine assists.
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