Joker Returns: NBA Starting 5 & Jan 31 History

Jokić Returns with Historic Performance as NBA Saturday Heats Up

Nikola Jokić made a stunning return to the court Friday night, delivering a record-breaking performance in limited minutes, while a slate of compelling matchups across the league showcased rising stars and surging teams. The NBA’s Saturday schedule promises more excitement, highlighted by a primetime showdown between Luka Dončić and Kevin Durant, and a nationally televised contest featuring Victor Wembanyama and the surging Hornets.

West Dominance: Jokić and Luka Shine in Return to Form

Denver’s three-time MVP wasted no time reasserting his dominance, leading the Nuggets to a 122-109 victory over the Clippers despite playing less than 25 minutes due to a minutes restriction following a 16-game absence due to a knee injury. Jokić finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. “He’s a constant constant in every category, every stat,” remarked teammate Jamal Murray, acknowledging Jokić’s immediate impact. Notably, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to record a 30+ point, 10+ rebound, 5+ assist line in under 25 minutes of play.

The Nuggets, maintaining a top-two scoring offense and the league’s best Offensive Rating (121.0) during Jokić’s absence, appear poised for a deep playoff run with their star center back in the lineup. Tim Hardaway Jr. (22 points, 5 three-pointers) and Peyton Watson (21 points) provided crucial support, while Murray added 20 points and nine assists. Hardaway Jr. also reached a milestone, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki for 20th all-time in made three-pointers.

Luka Dončić mirrored Jokić’s historic night with a dazzling performance for the Lakers in a 142-111 win against the Wizards. Dončić registered a first-half triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists) and finished with 37 points, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most dynamic players. He recorded the second 1st-half 25+ point triple-double since 1997-98 – the other instance also belonging to himself in 2023. Dončić now joins Jokić and Russell Westbrook as the only players since 1997-98 with multiple first-half triple-doubles. LeBron James contributed 20 points and a dunk with his son, Bronny, while Deandre Ayton added 28 points and 13 rebounds.

ESPN Doubleheader: Pistons and Magic Deliver Offensive Fireworks

Friday’s ESPN doubleheader featured high-scoring affairs, with the Pistons and Magic showcasing their offensive prowess. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons to a 131-124 victory over the Warriors, driving the team to a 77-point first half – the most points Golden State’s top-10 defense has allowed in any half this season. Cunningham, who is now tied with Luka Dončić for the league lead in games with 25+ points and 10+ assists (15), finished with 29 points and 11 assists. Jalen Duren added 21 points and 13 rebounds, helping Detroit overcome Steph Curry’s 23 points before he exited with a knee injury.

The Orlando Magic continued their impressive run with a 130-120 win over the Raptors. Desmond Bane (32 points, 7 three-pointers), Anthony Black (25 points, 6 assists), and Paolo Banchero (20 points, 9 rebounds) each scored 20+ points for the second consecutive game, while Wendell Carter Jr. joined the scoring barrage with 23 points. Orlando exploded for a 44-21 fourth quarter, shooting 13-of-16 from the field and hitting six three-pointers.

East Claims Victories: Knicks, Celtics, and Nets Prevail

Eastern Conference teams secured wins against their Western counterparts on Friday night. The Knicks defeated the Blazers 127-97, led by Jalen Brunson’s 26 points and a strong performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, who grabbed 20 rebounds for the second straight game. Towns is the first player with back-to-back 20-rebound games since January 2025.

The Celtics cruised past the Kings 112-93, powered by Payton Pritchard’s 29 points and 8 assists in Jaylen Brown’s absence. The Nets snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Jazz, highlighted by a career night from rookie Egor Dëmin, who scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Dëmin extended his rookie record with his 34th consecutive game making a three-pointer.

Roundup: Suns and Pelicans Maintain Momentum

Dillon Brooks followed up his career-high 40 points with a game-high 27 as the Suns defeated the Cavaliers 126-113, hitting a season-best 23 three-pointers. The Pelicans continued their strong play, overcoming the Grizzlies 114-106, with Zion Williamson adding 21 points and 7 rebounds.

Saturday Primetime Showdown: Mavericks Face Rockets

Tonight’s marquee matchup on ABC features Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks visiting Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Flagg, fresh off a historic 49-point performance, is averaging 26.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 51.9% shooting in his last four games. Durant has also been on a tear, averaging 31.2 points in his last five games. The Mavericks hold a 2-1 series lead, relying on a top-10 defense that excels at disrupting opposing offenses. The Rockets, however, boast the league’s best second-chance points and a strong home record (16-4).

Hornets’ Hot Streak Continues Against Spurs

The Charlotte Hornets, riding a five-game win streak, face a test against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs at noon on Prime. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel have been key contributors to the Hornets’ success, while Wembanyama’s dominant performances – including a recent 25+ point, 15+ rebound, 5+ block game – make the Spurs a formidable opponent.