By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic scored 34 points, a new individual best in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, powering the Denver Nuggets to a win, 130-124, opposite the Sacramento Kings in Ball Arena on Monday. With the hosts leading from start to finish, the 30-year-old Serbian center lasted 36:01, combining his season-high with 14 assists, seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.
“We had two stupid ones at the end of the game,” the Joker countered a question in the postgame press conference about the Nuggets committing fewer turnovers this season. “Just don’t try to pass the risky ones, but just try to meet the ball, hold your spot. Probably some details, but we need to work on it.”
Logging almost 12 minutes off the bench, Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas put in eight points, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.
On the wrong end, fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis posted a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double to go with five assists and one steal. Dealing with right hip soreness, German Dennis Schroder paired 18 points with nine assists, four rebounds, and one steal. In contrast to two European starters, Croatian Dario Saric and French Maxime Raynaud did not play.
With Slovenian Luka Doncic (lower left leg contusion management) joining German Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) in a crowded injury list, the Los Angeles Lakers took down the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-115, in Moda Center.
Israeli Deni Avdija, tallying a game-high 33 points, was not enough for the Blazers. Also starting for Tiago Splitter’s side, Belgian Toumani Camara finished with 14 points. French reserves went from Sidy Cissoko’s five points to Rayan Rupert staying on the bench.