By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic returned to a triple-double mode as the Denver Nuggets got a new win. The reigning back-to-back MVP registered 28 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as his team overpowered the Cleveland Cavaliers 121 – 108 at home.
This was Jokic’s 10th triple-double in 2022-23, which is the most by any player. He also did some damage from long range with 3-4 3-pointers.
Cedi Osman continued his streak of productive games with 15 points but the Cavaliers couldn’t handle the absence of star guard Donovan Mitchell and suffered their first loss after three straight victories.
Rudy Gobert had his second 20+20 game in 2022-23 by dropping a season-high-tying 25 points plus 21 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 128 – 115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Gobert was too much with 11-15 shots and seven of his boards coming on the offensive end. Ivica Zubac scored nine for the Clippers that were missing leaders Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Nikola Vucevic joined the club of strong performances by Euro big men by delivering 19 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in the Chicago Bulls‘ 126-112 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The star of the night for Chicago was Zach LaVine thanks to his 41 points.
Another European center marked his name in victory. Jakob Poeltl had 11 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists to push the San Antonio Spurs past the Detroit Pistons 121-107. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 21 points for the struggling Pistons.
The rest of Friday’s NBA results and notable Euro scorers:
Indiana Pacers – Portland Trail Blazers 108 – 99 (Jusuf Nurkic 14 points, 19 rebounds)
Toronto Raptors – New York Knicks 108 – 112
Brooklyn Nets – New Orleans Pelicans 108-102 (Jonas Valanciunas 12 points, 10 rebounds)
Milwaukee Bucks – Charlotte Hornets 138 – 109 (Giannis Antetokounmpo nine points)
Oklahoma City Thunder – Washington Wizards 127 – 112 (Kristaps Porzingis 14 points, 10 rebounds)
Phoenix Suns – Miami Heat 96 – 104
Los Angeles Lakers – Atlanta Hawks 130 – 114 (Dennis Schroder 21 points – Bogdan Bogdanovic 10 points)
2022-23 STANDINGS
EAST