The Washington Wizards overcame a career-high 56 points from Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic to secure a 122-113 victory on Saturday, ending their 16-game NBA losing streak.
Jokic, last season’s NBA Most Valuable Player, added 16 rebounds and eight assists in a stellar effort that surpassed his previous career-best of 53 points during the 2023 Western Conference semifinals against Phoenix. However, his dominance wasn’t enough to lift the injury-depleted Nuggets past a resurgent Wizards squad.
Jordan Poole led Washington with 39 points, sinking a career-high nine three-pointers. His performance was crucial as the Wizards shot 16-of-36 from beyond the arc, compared to Denver’s 5-of-24.
“Hearing some MVP chants was kind of cool when the MVP (Jokic) was on the floor,” Poole said, reflecting on the Washington crowd’s cheers as he stepped to the free-throw line in the closing moments.
Washington seized control early, outscoring Denver 36-29 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 69-57 at halftime. Justin Champagnie added 23 points, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Wizards, who were missing key players Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon, and Saddiq Bey.
Denver, missing five regulars including Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, struggled to close the gap despite a furious third-quarter rally by Jokic, who scored 23 points in the frame. The Nuggets trimmed the deficit to six entering the fourth quarter, but Washington quickly rebuilt a double-digit lead while Jokic rested. Denver never got closer than five points for the remainder of the game.
The Wizards’ victory showcased their resilience and marked their first win since October 30.
Around the NBA
Elsewhere, Evan Mobley powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a career-high 41 points and 10 rebounds. Mobley’s 23 first-quarter points included five three-pointers, setting the tone for Cleveland’s dominant performance.
“He didn’t hit the rim on the threes,” Cavs teammate Caris LeVert said. “They were all swishes… it was definitely a sight to see.”
In Boston, Ja Morant delivered 32 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists as the Memphis Grizzlies edged the Celtics 127-121. The reigning champions briefly led in the fourth quarter, but Memphis regained control with eight minutes remaining and held on for the win.
Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic recorded his second consecutive triple-double, tallying 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 125-118 win over the Toronto Raptors. Kyrie Irving added 29 points as the Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham also shone, posting his fifth triple-double of the season with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 120-111 victory over the New York Knicks. Despite 31 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks saw their four-game winning streak snapped.
