By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jalen Brunson combined his return to action from a left foot injury with a team-highs 24 points plus five assists to lead the New York Knicks past the Denver Nuggets 116 – 110. While the Knicks registered their third straight win to continue their push for the Top 4 in the Eastern Conference, the Nuggets suffered their fifth loss over the last six games.
Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds plus eight assists while Jamal Murray scored 25 points and a basket that gave the Nuggets an 84 – 71 lead in the third quarter. The Knicks erased that margin quickly and the game became close until the last minute.
Brunson hit two key free throws and send an alley-oop pass to Mitchell Robinson for the slam and a 116 – 110 lead with 24 seconds to play.
The Knicks were fiery from the start behind Brunson who scored 16 of his points in the first period as his team got a 36 – 28 start. The Nuggets came back and had a strong entrance in the second half but couldn’t retain their 13-point advantage.
Apart from Brunson, RJ Barret scored 21 and Julius Randle had 20 points plus seven rebounds.
In the other NBA game that was held early Saturday, the Orlando Magic beat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-108 as Franz Wagner hit a decisive triple to give his team a 5-point lead with 40 seconds remaining. The German forward finished with 20 points.
Wendel Carter Jr. led the Magic overall with 27 points plus 12 rebounds. Ivica Zubac notched 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers.