Nikola Jokic’s historic triple-double propelled the Denver Nuggets to a 117-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, solidifying their playoff position. Jokic recorded 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists, securing his place as only the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire regular season.
This victory, Denver’s second straight under interim head coach David Adelman, followed the surprise dismissal of Michael Malone. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 33 points, while Jamal Murray, returning from a six-game injury absence, contributed 15 points and seven assists. The Nuggets are now 49-32 and have a strong chance of securing fourth place in the Western Conference.
“If he doesn’t win the MVP then it is the greatest season of all-time not to win the MVP,” Adelman said of Jokic.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers secured the third seed with a dominant 140-109 victory over the Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic delivered another impressive offensive performance, scoring 39 points. The Lakers are currently on track to face the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, already locked in as the top seed, defeated the Utah Jazz 145-111, with Aaron Wiggins scoring 35 points and Isaiah Joe adding 32.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied for a 108-102 victory over the New York Knicks, with Darius Garland scoring 26 points. The Knicks secured the third seed after the Indiana Pacers, resting their starters, lost to the Orlando Magic 129-115.
The Boston Celtics, the second seed, cruised to a 130-94 win over the Charlotte Hornets, securing their 60th win of the season.
The Miami Heat delivered a historic 153-104 blowout against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Pelicans’ largest regular-season defeat. Bam Adebayo contributed 23 points and 12 rebounds in just 22 minutes. Despite the victory, Miami remains locked into the tenth seed and will play the Chicago Bulls in a play-in game.
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