Jokic finished with 23 points, 20 rebounds and 16 assists as the Denver Nuggets overcame a 16-point deficit in the third quarter and won 124-122 (30-32, 25-34, 40-29, 29-27). ) to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, handing their opponents their first loss of the season.
Russell Westbrook scored 29 points, Christian Brown and Michael Porter Jr. had 24 each, while Peyton Watson had 10 points and a blocked shot in the final seconds.
Jalen Williams’ 29+10 and nine assists did not save “Thunder” from their first loss of the season, while Shay Gilges-Alexander scored 28 points.
In another game, the Lithuanian Domants Sabonis collected a triple double, helping the Sacramento “Kings” beat the Toronto “Raptors” at home with 122:107 (30:33, 27:21, 32:39, 33:14).
Sabonis collected 17 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds, achieving his third triple double of the season and 61st of his career.
DeMars DeRouzen was the top scorer for the winners with 27 points, Keegan Murray scored 22+12, and De’Aaron Fox added 21 points.
Cunningham also excelled with a ”triple double” on Wednesday, however, it did not help his Detroit “Pistons” team to beat the Charlotte “Hornets”.
Brandon Miller’s two points in the last second secured the victory for the home team. Miller, who scored 19 points in this match, won the ball under the basket in the last attack after an unsuccessful long shot by Grant Williams and sent it into the basket with the siren.
Miles Bridges scored 27 points for the winners, and Lamelo Ball scored 25, while Jayden Ivey scored 21 points for the “Pistons”.
In another game, LeBron James scored 39 points, but it did not save the Los Angeles Lakers from losing to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Wells and Ja Morant each scored 20 points for the winners, while four other players scored at least 11 points.
Austin Reaves was the second leading scorer for the Lakers with 19 points, while LeBron James’ son Brony scored two points with free throws and missed two long shots.
Karl-Anthony Towns also showed a productive performance in the team’s loss on Wednesday, who scored 34+16, but his team recognized the superiority of the Atlanta “Hawks” as guests of the New York “Knicks”.
The hosts celebrated a 121:116 victory (26:22, 39:39, 24:28, 32:27), which allowed the Hawks to climb to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with four wins in nine games.
This year’s No. 1 draft pick Zacharias Risache scored 33 points for the winners, playing his career-highest game. The Frenchman made six of ten shots from long range, five of eight two-pointers and five of nine free throws. He also had seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots in 37 minutes played.
Jalen Johnson also stood out in the “Hawks” team with 23+15 and seven assists, while Trey Young had 23 points and ten assists.
Jalen Branson was the second leading scorer for the “Knicks” with 21 points.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the exciting world of sports! Today, we’re joined by basketball expert Dr. Mark Langley to discuss the latest thrilling games in the NBA. Let’s start with last night’s highlight: the Denver Nuggets’ comeback win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nikola Jokic’s performance was phenomenal—23 points, 20 rebounds, and 16 assists. What are your thoughts on his game?
Dr. Langley: Thank you for having me! Jokic’s performance was a masterclass in versatility. He not only scored but dominated the boards and facilitated plays, which is crucial for a team looking to make a comeback. Overcoming a 16-point deficit in the third quarter shows not just skill but also the mental resilience of the Nuggets. This game reaffirms Jokic’s place as one of the top players in the league.
Editor: Absolutely, and let’s not forget the contributions from Russell Westbrook and the supporting cast like Christian Brown and Michael Porter Jr., each scoring 24 points. How significant are these role players in high-pressure situations?
Dr. Langley: Role players are essential in tight games. While superstars like Jokic shine, having consistent support allows teams to maintain pace and pressure. The performance of Westbrook, Brown, and Porter showcased depth—something that can often tip the balance in close matches. When the stars get doubled or are having an off night, having reliable teammates can make all the difference.
Editor: Shifting gears a bit, the Sacramento Kings also had an impressive win against the Toronto Raptors, with Domantas Sabonis achieving a triple-double. What does this say about the Kings’ strategy this season?
Dr. Langley: The Kings are building a strong foundation around Sabonis. His versatility allows them to play a dynamic style of basketball—one that can adapt mid-game. His triple-double is indicative not only of his skills but also of how he facilitates ball movement and creates opportunities. This is an exciting time for the Kings if they keep leveraging their strengths.
Editor: Speaking of exciting moments, Brandon Miller’s last-second shot for the Charlotte Hornets snatched victory from the Pistons. How crucial are these game-winners for a player’s confidence and for the team’s morale?
Dr. Langley: Game-winners like Miller’s are monumental. They not only boost the player’s confidence but also energize the entire team. Such moments can foster a winning mentality and create a clutch reputation, which can be pivotal as the season progresses. Teams that know they can rely on each other in crunch time are typically the ones that thrive.
Editor: Now, we can’t ignore LeBron James’ incredible 39-point outing, even though the Lakers lost to the Grizzlies. What does this performance indicate about LeBron’s current state in his career?
Dr. Langley: LeBron continues to defy age with performances like that. Scoring nearly 40 points shows his commitment and skill level is still elite. However, individual brilliance can only take a team so far. The loss indicates that the Lakers may need to reassess their support system around him, particularly in clutch moments.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Langley! As we wrap up, what can fans expect moving forward in this NBA season based on these recent games?
Dr. Langley: Fans can expect thrilling matches as teams find their rhythm. The league is showcasing a blend of established superstars and exciting young talent, making every game unpredictable. Keep an eye on those tight playoff races and emerging contenders—this season promises plenty of drama!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Langley! We appreciate your expertise. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on the unfolding season as it continues to deliver excitement!