Nikola Jokic has scored 35 factors and pulled down 16 rebounds as Denver fended off an undermanned and undersized Minnesota 115-112 in Minneapolis.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 of his 26 factors within the fourth quarter, Jamal Murray added 18 factors and 11 assists and Aaron Gordon had 14 factors and 11 boards for the Nuggets, who blew an 18-point lead in lower than 12 minutes earlier than ending a four-game NBA street journey robust on Wednesday (AEDT).
Denver (48-21) moved inside proportion factors of idle Oklahoma City (47-20) for the Western Conference lead, whereas the Timberwolves (47-22) dropped one recreation again into third place.
Anthony Edwards had 30 factors — his fourth straight 30-point recreation — eight rebounds and eight assists. The clear look from the wing he created with a crossover dribble for the tie on the buzzer hit the rim and fell quick.
Minnesota performed at dwelling for the primary time in 15 days however have been with out stars Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), Rudy Gobert (ribs) and Naz Reid (head).
After pushing the Nuggets arduous in a six-game loss within the first spherical of the playoffs final 12 months, the Timberwolves gained their first assembly of the season 110-89 on November 1.
Earlier in San Antonio, Kyrie Irving scored 28 factors, Luka Doncic had 18 factors and 16 assists, and Dallas held off the Spurs 113-107.
The Mavericks (40-29) path the Sacramento Kings (39-28) by proportion factors for sixth place within the West and the ultimate automated playoff berth.
Tre Jones scored 22 factors and Devin Vassell added 19 for the hosts, whereas Victor Wembanyama had 12 factors and 11 rebounds for his thirty seventh double-double.
Dante Exum performed an important position for the Mavs within the absence of injured fellow Australian Josh Green (ankle) – particularly within the fourth quarter.
He compiled 16 factors, one rebound and two assists, going 5 of eight from the sector which included all 4 makes an attempt from three-point vary.
Compatriot Jock Landale registered 10 factors and three boards within the Houston Rockets’ 137-114 away win over the Washington Wizards, whereas one other Boomers star in Joe Ingles had three factors, three rebounds and 4 assists in Orlando’s 112-92 dwelling victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Magic (41-28) consolidated fifth within the East, as did New Orleans (42-26) within the West because of Zion Williamson’s 28 factors in a 104-91 overcome the Nets in Brooklyn.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
