NBA Roundup Jokic and Westbrook Make History, Thunder Dominate Knicks, and More Highlights
Jokic and Westbrook Lead Nuggets in Historic Win Over Nets
Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook made NBA history once again as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-105 on Friday night. Jokic recorded his league-leading 15th triple-double of the season with 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, marking the 145th of his career. Meanwhile, Westbrook added his own triple-double, tallying 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
This was the second time this season the duo notched triple-doubles in the same game, further solidifying their place in NBA lore. Westbrook, who holds the all-time record with 202 career triple-doubles, has achieved three of them this season with Denver.
Denver, now winners of six of their last eight games, was without guard Jamal Murray in the second half due to left knee soreness. The Nets, struggling with injuries of their own, saw Keon Johnson lead the team with 22 points, while Tyrese Martin added 19.
Thunder Rout Knicks Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39-Point Explosion
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his stellar season, scoring 39 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 126-101 blowout victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Isaiah Joe added a season-high 31 points off the bench as the Thunder bounced back from a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Oklahoma City, which led by as many as 30 points, dominated New York for the second time in a week. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s 27 points, have now lost four of their last five games after a recent nine-game winning streak.
Haliburton and Siakam Shine as Pacers Beat Warriors
Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam combined for 50 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 108-96 victory over a short-handed Golden State Warriors squad. Haliburton and Siakam scored 25 points each, while Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who extended their winning streak to five games.
The Warriors, missing six regulars including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, received a career-high 17 points from Pat Spencer but couldn’t keep pace with Indiana.
Antetokounmpo Leads Bucks Past Magic
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help the Milwaukee Bucks secure a 109-106 road win over the Orlando Magic. Damian Lillard chipped in 29 points, while Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton added 11 each off the bench.
The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero, who scored 34 points in his first game since October due to injury. Despite Banchero’s efforts, Orlando dropped its fourth game in six tries.
Sabonis Dominates as Kings Extend Winning Streak
Domantas Sabonis delivered a monster performance with 23 points and a career-high 28 rebounds, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 114-97 win over the Boston Celtics. The Kings have now won six straight games and dominated Boston on the boards with a 56-43 rebounding advantage.
DeMar DeRozan added 24 points for Sacramento, while Boston’s Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 28 points.
Pelicans Hold Off 76ers in Road Victory
CJ McCollum scored 38 points to lead the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans to a 123-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jordan Hawkins added 21 points, while Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Pelicans played without Zion Williamson, who was serving a one-game suspension, and multiple other starters due to injuries. The Sixers, missing Joel Embiid, were led by Tyrese Maxey’s 30 points and 12 assists.
LaVine and Vucevic Power Bulls Past Wizards
Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and Nikola Vucevic added 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls cruised to a 138-105 victory over the Washington Wizards. Coby White and Jalen Smith chipped in 15 points apiece for the Bulls, who extended their home winning streak to four games.
The Wizards, led by Jordan Poole’s 22 points, have now lost five straight games.
