Increasingly a candidate for the MVP award, Nikola Jokic delivered yet another performance on Wednesday night. The Serbian led the victory of the Denver Nuggets, current NBA champion, over the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107, at home, in a direct duel for the leadership of the Western Conference. The results of the round confirmed the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in, the playoff playoff.
In Denver, Jokic was the scorer of the match, with a double-double of 41 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to seven assists. MVP of the last two NBA seasons, the Serbian player is the favorite to win the award for the third consecutive time. This Wednesday, he surpassed the 40-point mark for the 20th time in his career.
“Nikola always embraces the physical game. He never shys away,” praised Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who also praised the rival defense. “Rudy Gobert (of the Timberwolves) will one day be a Hall of Fame player. Rudy will be considered one of the best defenders of his generation. And that’s how good Nikola is. I don’t think anyone in the NBA can protect Nikola in a one-on-one matchup. “
Jokic was supported by Jamal Murray and his 20 points and six assists. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. For the Timberwolves, who were without the injured Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards was the highlight, with 25 points. Gobert, praised by his rival coach, finished the game with double figures on two counts: 13 points and 15 rebounds.
The result leaves the Nuggets at the top of the Western Conference, depending only on themselves to close the regular season at the top of the table. The current NBA champions have a record of 56 wins and 24 losses. They are just ahead of the Timberwolves (55/25) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (55/25), who maintained third place despite beating the San Antonio Spurs 127-98 at home.
Still with a chance of reaching first place in this last week of the regular season, the Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26 points) and Josh Giddey (20 points and 12 rebounds). Spurs were missing Victor Wembanyama.
Also in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 124 to 108 and remained in the fight for a direct spot in the playoffs – only the top six placed teams go directly to this knockout stage. In seventh place, the Suns compete with the Sacramento Kings (8th) and the New Orleans Pelicans (6th) for the last position in the playoffs.
The top five in the West – Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, Clippers and Dallas Mavericks – are already classified. The Suns’ triumph also took the Warriors and Lakers out of contention for a direct spot in the playoffs. The two teams from California will have to compete in the play-in.
MORE OPEN SCENARIO IN THE EAST
In the other championship conference, only three teams are confirmed in the playoffs: Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks. Thus, three places are being sought by five teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (4th), Orlando Magic (5th), Indiana Pacers (6th), Philadelphia 76ers (7th) and Miami Heat (8th). Chicago Bulls (9th) and Atlanta Hawks (10th) will have to compete in the play-in.
The highlight of the night was the Bucks’ 117-99 victory over the Magic at home. The vice-leader sought his 49th victory (he has 31 defeats) even without the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who should be absent until the start of the knockout stages. Bobby Portis took responsibility and led the hosts with 30 points and nine rebounds. Damian Lillard also stood out, with 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds. For Magic, the main player on the court was Cole Anthony, responsible for 23 points.
Check out the results from Wednesday night:
Cleveland Cavaliers 110 x 98 Memphis Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks x Charlotte Hornets
Miami Heat 92 x 111 Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets 106 x 102 Toronto Raptors
Milwaukee Bucks 117 x 99 Orlando Magic
Oklahoma City Thunder 127 x 89 San Antonio Spurs
Denver Nuggets 116 x 107 Minnesota Timberwolves
Los Angeles Clippers 108 x 124 Phoenix Suns
Follow this Thursday’s games:
Boston Celtics x New York Knicks
Utah Jazz x Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers x Golden State Warriors
Sacramento Kings x New Orleans Pelicans