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Denver (United States) (AFP) – Serbian center Nikola Jokic had a “triple-double” of 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists this Sunday to propel the host Denver Nuggets to a win over the Boston Celtics by a score of 123-111 in a matchup of conference leaders from l ‘NBA.
The two-time reigning NBA “Most Valuable Player,” Jokic hit 10-of-13 shots from the penalty area, including two 3-point attempts, and was 8-of-8 from the free throw line to produce his ninth “triple double” of the season.
The Nuggets now improved to 24-12, extending their lead in the Western Conference to one game with a 10th win in 12 games and snapping Boston’s four-game hitting streak.
Denver, 14-3 at home, defeated the Celtics for the first time since November 2019.
Goaltender Bruce Brown added 21 points for Denver while Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points.
All-Star Jaylen Brown led Boston with 30 points and eight rebounds, while fellow All-Star Jayson Tatum added 25 points, seven rebounds and six points for the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics, who still hold the best record in the NBA with a balance of 26-11.
In Milwaukee, Japan’s Rui Hachimura came off the bench to score 26 points and lead the Washington Wizards to a 118-95 road win over the Bucks.
Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points and Kyle Kuzma added his second career triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for the Wizards (17-21).
Washington’s streak extended to five games despite the absence of star guard Bradley Beal.
The Bucks, led by 19 points and 10 rebounds by Bobby Portis, were without Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out with a sore left knee. The team now fell to a 23-13 record.
On the other hand, star Ja Morant scored 35 points and New Zealand center Steven Adams added 11 points and 23 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 118-108 win over the Sacramento Kings.
“We took it upon ourselves to step up and deliver,” Morant said after the game.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings (19-16) with 19 points while Domantas Sabonis added 18 points and 14 rebounds.
The Grizzlies improved to 23-13, tied with New Orleans for second place in the West, one game behind Denver.
– Sunday’s results in the NBA:
Denver to Boston 123-111
Washington and Milwaukee 118-95
Memphis in Sacramento 118-108
© 2023 AFP
