Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets (Getty Images through AFP)
LOS ANGELES– Nikola Jokic nabbed his 13th triple- dual of the period as the Denver Nuggets got rid of a 44-point display screen from Damian Lillard to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-113 on Tuesday.
Two- time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic completed with 36 factors, 12 rebounds and also 10 helps as Denver prolonged their winning touch to 7 video games to relocate one video game free from Memphis on top of the Western Conference.
It was the 17th 30-point triple- dual of Jokic’s occupation, putting him in renowned business together with Magic Johnson and also Larry Bird in 7th on the all-time positions.
A high-scoring initial fifty percent saw Denver take a 73-66 lead, with Lillard maintaining Portland strongly in the quest with 30 factors in the opening up 2 quarters.
But Denver’s protective modifications in the 2nd fifty percent assisted them take a company grasp on the competition as they extended away in the 4th quarter– leading by as high as 20 factors at one phase– to liquidate the win.
“It’s always tough and it’s always interesting against them,” Jokic stated after that. “They’re an excellent group with an excellent trainer and also Lillard is playing remarkable now.
“But I think in the second half we played really good defense… and that’s why we won the game.”
Jokic’s 36-point haul originated from 13-of-14 capturing from the area, consisting of a near-perfect display screen from the free-throw line.
The Serb was just one of 5 Denver gamers in dual numbers–Michael Porter Jr included 23 factors and also Jamal Murray 17.
Bruce Brown had 12 off the bench while Aaron Gordon included 11.
Portland amulet Lillard on the other hand made six-of-12 from three-point variety and also was an excellent 14-of-14 from the nasty line in his 44-point tally.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, a diminished Brooklyn Nets sagged to a 3rd straight loss in a 106-98 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Nets were missing out on Kevin Durant (knee) and also Kyrie Irving (calf bone) via injury, and also the absentees verified crucial as Spurs celebrity Keldon Johnson nabbed a career-high 36 factors and also 11 rebounds.
The triumph broke a five-game losing touch for San Antonio, that continue to be one area off all-time low of the Western Conference with 14 success and also 31 beats.
Brooklyn have actually not won a video game given that Durant experienced his best knee injury versus Miami on January 8.
‘A team effort’
While Brooklyn are battling to find their winning rhythm without Durant, Milwaukee once more disregarded the loss of their celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo as they rolled to a 130-122 win over the Toronto Raptors.
Antetokounmpo has actually currently missed out on 4 straight ready the Bucks, however Jrue Holiday tipped up with a large efficiency to assist the 2021 NBA champs to triumph.
Holiday completed with a season-high 37 factors, with 6 rebounds and also 7 helps, as second-placed Milwaukee bordered better to Boston on top of the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee tracked 74-67 at half-time however let go in the 3rd quarter to successfully secure triumph, outscoring Toronto 38-23.
“Definitely a team effort, everybody just played their hearts out and got the win,” Holiday stated after that.
In Tuesday’s various other video game, Joel Embiid racked up 41 factors as the Philadelphia 76ers subdued the Los Angeles Clippers 120-110 when driving.
The Sixers continue to be 3rd in the Eastern Conference standings at 28-16.
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