NBA Roundup Jokic and Westbrook Shine with Triple-Doubles, Sabonis Dominates Celtics, and More
The NBA delivered a thrilling night of action on January 11, highlighted by stellar performances, record-breaking feats, and dramatic victories. Here’s a recap of the standout games:
Nuggets Outshine Nets Behind Jokic and Westbrook’s Triple-Doubles
Nikola Jokic returned from illness to post 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, while teammate Russell Westbrook added 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-105.
Jokic recorded his league-leading 15th triple-double of the season and the 145th of his career. Westbrook, the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader with 202, registered his third of the season for Denver, which has now won six of its last eight games.
Despite strong performances from Keon Johnson (22 points) and Tyrese Martin (19 points), the Nets dropped their fourth straight game and seventh in their last eight outings.
Thunder Crush Knicks Behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Joe
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 39 points, and Isaiah Joe added a season-high 31 off the bench as the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the New York Knicks 126-101.
The Thunder rebounded from their franchise-record 15-game winning streak being snapped earlier this week, dominating the Knicks for the second time in seven days. Jalen Brunson led New York with 27 points, but the Knicks have now lost four of their last five games.
Pacers Top Short-Handed Warriors
Indiana defeated a depleted Golden State Warriors squad 108-96, with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam combining for 50 points. Bennedict Mathurin chipped in 21 points and 10 rebounds to help the Pacers secure their fifth straight win.
Pat Spencer had a career-high 17 points for the Warriors, who played without six key players, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins.
Antetokounmpo, Bucks Edge Magic
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with 41 points and 14 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks held off the Orlando Magic 109-106 for their third straight win. Damian Lillard added 29 points to support the victory.
Paolo Banchero returned for the Magic after a lengthy absence, scoring 34 points in a valiant effort. However, Orlando has now lost four of its last six games.
Sabonis Powers Kings Over Celtics
Domantas Sabonis recorded 23 points and a career-high 28 rebounds as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Boston Celtics 114-97, extending their winning streak to six games. Sabonis became the first player to grab more than 24 rebounds in a game at TD Garden.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 28 points, but the Celtics struggled with turnovers, committing 21 in the loss.
Short-Handed Pelicans Stun 76ers
CJ McCollum scored 38 points as the injury-plagued New Orleans Pelicans beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-115. New Orleans played without Zion Williamson (suspension) and several other key players but still secured the road win.
Philadelphia missed Joel Embiid but saw Tyrese Maxey shine with 30 points and 12 assists. Paul George added 25 points and 11 rebounds in his return from injury.
Bulls Dominate Wizards Behind LaVine
Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and Nikola Vucevic added 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls cruised past the Washington Wizards 138-105. The Bulls extended their home winning streak to four games and avenged an earlier loss to Washington.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 22 points in his return from injury, but Washington has now lost five straight games.
From Jokic’s brilliance to Sabonis’s rebounding dominance, the night was filled with unforgettable moments across the league!
