By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Last night’s NBA action brought the anticipated clash between European big men Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün.
The Turkish center and the Houston Rockets hosted the three-time MVP and the Denver Nuggets, and the Joker took center stage once again, leading his team to a valuable 112–109 road victory.
Jokić finished just an assist shy of yet another triple-double, posting 34 points on 11/20 shooting along with 10 rebounds. It’s also worth noting that Denver won despite losing Aaron Gordon early to injury.
As for the Rockets, Şengün recorded 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Reed Sheppard led the way with 27 points. Kevin Durant added just 13 in 35 minutes.
Elsewhere, Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 127–123 road victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The Israeli international tallied 26 points and 13 assists, while Toumani Camara followed with 20 points and seven rebounds, and Sidy Cissoko added 15 for the winning side.
Georgian big man Sandro Mamukelashvili delivered an excellent performance in the Toronto Raptors’ 140–110 win over the Washington Wizards, scoring 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Lauri Markkanen had 19 points and six rebounds, but the Utah Jazz couldn’t keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 112–144 to the defending champions.
Isaiah Hartenstein posted 12 points, six rebounds, and seven assists for the winning side, while Ajay Mitchell also added 12. Svi Mykhailiuk scored eight points for Utah, and Jusuf Nurkić finished with five points and 10 rebounds.
Without Nikola Jović, the Miami Heat dominated on the road against the Chicago Bulls, securing a 143–107 victory. Pelle Larsson contributed 16 points and seven assists, while Simone Fontecchio added nine. Matas Buzeļis and Nikola Vučević each finished with six points for the Bulls.
The Brooklyn Nets earned a 113–105 win on the road at TD Garden, with Egor Demin contributing 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Nemias Queta posted a double-double for the hosts with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Finally, Rudy Gobert also recorded a double-double — 12 points and 12 rebounds — in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ narrow 114–113 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
NBA results and standings:
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers 120-109
Boston Celtics – Brooklyn Nets 105-113
Toronto Raptors – Washington Wizards 140-110
Chicago Bulls – Miami Heat 107-143
Dallas Mavericks – New Orleans Pelicans 118-115
Phoenix Suns – Minnesota Timberwolves 114-113
Houston Rockets – Denver Nuggets 109-112
Golden State Warriors – Portland Trail Blazers 123-127
Utah Jazz – Oklahoma City Thunder 112-144
Eastern Conference
1. Detroit Pistons 13-2
2. Toronto Raptors 11-5
3. Cleveland Cavaliers 11-6
4. New York Knicks 9-5
5. Miami Heat 10-6
6. Philadelphia 76ers 9-6
7. Orlando Magic 9-7
8. Atlanta Hawks 9-7
9. Chicago Bulls 8-7
10. Boston Celtics 8-8
11. Milwaukee Bucks 8-8
12. Charlotte Hornets 4-11
13. Brooklyn Nets 3-12
14. Indiana Pacers 2-14
15. Washington Wizards 1-14
Wester Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 16-1
2. Denver Nuggets 12-3
3. San Antonio Spurs 11-4
4. Los Angeles Lakers 11-4
5. Houston Rockets 10-4
6. Minnesota Timberwolves 10-6
7. Phoenix Suns 10-6
8. Golden State Warriors 9-9
9. Portland Trail Blazers 7-9
10. Utah Jazz 5-10
11. Memphis Grizzlies 5-11
12. Dallas Mavericks 5-12
13. Los Angeles Clippers 4-11
14. Sacramento Kings 3-13
15. New Orleans Pelicans 2-14