Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance with 55 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 130-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
This win marked their sixth consecutive triumph. Jokic’s scoring matched the highest in the NBA this season, equalling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s feat from October 23. The Serbian player was efficient, hitting 18 of his 23 shots and making 14 of 16 free throws.
James Harden contributed significantly for the Clippers with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. He was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all ten attempts. However, the Clippers faced challenges as they were without key players Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard due to injuries. Beal is out for the season with a fractured hip, while Leonard is sidelined with ankle and foot issues.
The Orlando Magic secured a 124-107 win against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 28 points and nine rebounds. Despite losing Paolo Banchero to a groin injury on his birthday, Orlando managed to hand the Knicks their first home defeat of the season. Jalen Brunson scored 31 points for New York but left late in the game after injuring his ankle.
Desmond Bane added 22 points and eight assists for Orlando, while Anthony Black contributed 17 points on efficient shooting. The Magic have now won five of their last seven games after enduring four straight losses. The Knicks struggled offensively, managing only 42 first-half points and shooting poorly from beyond the arc.
The Detroit Pistons achieved an eighth consecutive victory by defeating the Chicago Bulls 124-113. Paul Reed shone for Detroit with season highs of 28 points and 13 rebounds. Despite missing their regular starting lineup due to injuries, including Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Pistons improved their record to an impressive 10-2.
Duncan Robinson added value with his contribution of 23 points before fouling out. Daniss Jenkins also played a crucial role by providing a career-high of 12 assists alongside his scoring efforts. For Chicago, Matas Buzelis recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Kevin Huerter chipped in with another solid performance.
The Bulls have been struggling lately after starting strong this season; they have now lost four consecutive games following an initial record of six wins in seven matches. Their recent performances indicate areas needing improvement as they aim to regain their early-season form.