Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to a 116-107 victory over the Timberwolves with 41 points, helping them secure the top spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
In a closely contested game in Denver where the lead changed hands multiple times, the Nuggets emerged victorious in the fourth quarter. As a result, the reigning NBA champions now lead the Western Conference by one game with just two regular-season games left. With matches against lower-ranked Memphis and San Antonio remaining, Nuggets (56-24) is now heavily favored to secure the top spot in the West and home advantage throughout the playoffs. Jokic, who recorded 11 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, was supported by Jamal Murray’s 20 points and Michael Porter Jr.’s 18 points. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves scoring with 25 points, while Mike Conley contributed 19 points. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid each finished with 13 points.
The Timberwolves loss caused them to fall to third place in the Western Conference standings, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite both teams having the same 55-25 record with two games left in the season, the Thunder hold the tiebreaker due to their superior divisional record. Oklahoma City climbed to second place after a dominant 127-89 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 26-point performance in a 38-point blowout against the last-place Spurs (20-60).
The Suns responded to their recent home loss against the Clippers by securing a convincing 124-108 victory on the road in the rematch. Devin Booker led the charge with 37 points, supported by Kevin Durant with 24 and Bradley Beal with 26. This win puts Phoenix in contention for a playoff spot with two games left. Currently in seventh place with a 47-33 record, the Suns are closely trailing New Orleans, who hold the sixth automatic playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record. Phoenix’s triumph means that both Golden State and the Lakers will need to compete in the play-in tournament to secure a playoff berth.
The Mavericks secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Miami Heat 111-92. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 29 points in a game that also guaranteed the New York Knicks a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
In another Eastern Conference matchup, the Bucks overcame the setback of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury to beat the Orlando Magic 117-99. Bobby Portis scored 30 points and Damian Lillard contributed 29 for the Bucks, who are nearing the second seed in the East with just two regular season games left. Patrick Beverley also had a solid performance with 13 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
