NBA results and standings: Jokic returns with a bang, Dončić posts triple-double

By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net

After dealing with a knee injury, the Serbian center returned to the court and continued to dominate as if nothing had changed.

Now back in the race for regular-season awards, Jokić led the Denver Nuggets to a 122–109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in his first game back.

Despite being on a minutes restriction and playing around 24 minutes, he was unstoppable, finishing with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

Jonas Valančiūnas added 11 points for the Nuggets, while Ivica Zubac recorded 13 points and seven rebounds for the Clippers.

While Jokić stole the spotlight in Colorado, Luka Dončić delivered another masterclass in Washington, D.C., as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised past the Wizards, 142–111.

Dončić recorded a triple-double with 37 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, while Alex Sarr led the Wizards with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics defeated the Sacramento Kings 112-93. Luka Garza contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, while Neemias Queta posted a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. For the Kings, Max Raynaud had 14 points and 14 rebounds, Dennis Schröder managed just four points, and Domantas Sabonis did not play.

Egor Demin starred in the Brooklyn Nets’ 109-99 road win over the Utah Jazz, scoring 25 points with 10 rebounds and four assists. Nolan Traore added seven points and six assists for the Nets.

In New York, the Knicks cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers 127-97, led by OG Anunoby’s 24 points and Mohamed Diawara’s 10 points. For Portland, Sidy Cissoko scored 15 points and Deni Avdija added 11.

Washington Wizards – Los Angeles Lakers 111–142
Boston Celtics – Sacramento Kings 112–93
New Orleans Pelicans – Memphis Grizzlies 114–106
New York Knicks – Portland Trail Blazers 127–97
Orlando Magic – Toronto Raptors 130–120
Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Clippers 122–109
Phoenix Suns – Cleveland Cavaliers 126–113
Utah Jazz – Brooklyn Nets 99–109
Golden State Warriors – Detroit Pistons 124–131

Eastern Conference:

1. Detroit Pistons 35-12
2. New York Knicks 30-18
3. Boston Celtics 30-18
4. Toronto Raptors 29-21
5. Cleveland Cavaliers 29-21
6. Philadelphia 76ers 26-21
7. Orlando Magic 25-22
8. Miami Heat 26-23
9. Atlanta Hawks 24-26
10. Chicago Bulls 23-25
11. Charlotte Hornets 21-28
12. Milwaukee Bucks 18-28
13. Brooklyn Nets 13-34
14. Washington Wizards 12-35
15. Indiana Pacers 12-36

Western Conference:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder 38-11
2. San Antonio Spurs 32-15
3. Denver Nuggets 33-16
4. Houston Rockets 29-17
5. Los Angeles Lakers 29-18
6. Phoenix Suns 30-19
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 30-19
8. Golden State Warriors 27-23
9. Portland Trail Blazers 23-26
10. LA Clippers 22-25
11. Dallas Mavericks 19-29
12. Memphis Grizzlies 18-28
13. Utah Jazz 15-34
14. New Orleans Pelicans 13-37
15. Sacramento Kings 12-38