Nikola Jokic showcased his brilliance with a stellar performance, recording 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, securing his 14th triple-double of the season. The Denver Nuggets spoiled Doc Rivers’ debut as the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coach with a 113-107 win on Monday night. Jokic, boasting 119 career triple-doubles (the fourth-highest in NBA history), proved influential against the Bucks, against whom he has notched six triple-doubles.
Brooklyn Nets 147, Utah Jazz 114
Mikal Bridges led the charge for the Brooklyn Nets with 33 points, while Ben Simmons marked a remarkable return from a back injury with a double-double (10 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds) in an 18-minute stint. The Nets cruised to a convincing 147-114 victory over the Utah Jazz, securing a season-high point total and their second consecutive win.
Cleveland Cavaliers 118, Los Angeles Clippers 108
Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points and 12 assists weren’t enough for the Los Angeles Clippers as the Cleveland Cavaliers ended their five-game winning streak with a 118-108 victory. Jarrett Allen continued his impressive form with a 20-point, 17-rebound performance, securing his 15th consecutive double-double. The Cavaliers have now won 10 of their past 11 games.
Dallas Mavericks 131, Orlando Magic 129
Luka Doncic stole the spotlight with a dazzling display, registering 45 points and 15 assists as the Dallas Mavericks rallied from a 16-point deficit to fend off the Orlando Magic 131-129. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 36 points, including crucial 3-pointers in the final minutes. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 36 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Phoenix Suns 118, Miami Heat 105
Reserve Eric Gordon’s 23 points and Devin Booker’s 22 helped the Phoenix Suns hand the Miami Heat their seventh straight loss, the longest since the 2007-08 season. Despite a slow start from Booker, the Suns secured a 118-105 victory. Jimmy Butler led the struggling Heat with 26 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
New York Knicks 113, Charlotte Hornets 92
Despite missing star player Julius Randle due to a shoulder injury, the New York Knicks continued their winning streak, notching a season-high seventh consecutive victory by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 113-92. Jalen Brunson scored 32 points, and Donte DiVincenzo contributed 28 in the Knicks’ dominating performance.
Boston Celtics 118, New Orleans Pelicans 112
Jayson Tatum’s all-around brilliance (28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists) propelled the Boston Celtics to a 118-112 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Jaylen Brown added 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Celtics overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Houston Rockets 135, Los Angeles Lakers 119
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun spearheaded a potent offensive display for the Houston Rockets, securing a 135-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Green notched a double-double with 34 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, while Sengun contributed 31 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
Minnesota Timberwolves 107, Oklahoma City Thunder 101
Anthony Edwards’ 27 points propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a crucial 107-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The win put the Timberwolves atop the Western Conference, securing a split in the season series against the Thunder.
Sacramento Kings 103, Memphis Grizzlies 94
De’Aaron Fox’s 23 points guided the Sacramento Kings to a 103-94 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies. Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double with 20 points and a game-high 26 rebounds, outshooting the Grizzlies with a 51.2% field goal percentage.
Washington Wizards 118, San Antonio Spurs 113
Kyle Kuzma’s double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Daniel Gafford’s 16 points and 13 boards propelled the Washington Wizards to a comeback victory against the San Antonio Spurs, marking the Wizards’ first back-to-back wins this season. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points.
