The Denver Nuggets defeated Minnesota 142:138 in overtime today, snapping their three-game winning streak in the NBA.
The Nuggets were led by Serbian center Nikola Jokić, who had a triple-double of 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists. He hit crucial free throws in the final minutes, finishing the game shooting 22/23 from the penalty spot and 15/21 from the field.
Jamal Murray contributed to the victory with 35 points and 10 assists, including a crucial three-pointer 35 seconds before the end, Tim Hardaway added 19 points, and Spencer Jones added 12 points and eight rebounds.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards scored 44 points with six rebounds and three assists, before being ejected for two technical fouls. Julius Randle scored 32 points with seven rebounds and six assists, and Jaden McDaniels had 21 points.
The Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 117:96, snapping a two-game losing streak. The team was led to victory by Amen Thompson with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Kevin Durant with 26 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Jabari Smith contributed to the victory with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Alperen Shengun with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Luka Dončić was the most efficient player for the Lakers with 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds, LeBron James added 18 points and five assists, and Austin Reeves had 12 points.
The Lakers played on Christmas Day for the 27th consecutive time in the Gregorian calendar, the 52nd time overall, in a tradition that began in 1949.
Golden State Warriors beat Dallas 126-116 for their third straight win. The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry with 23 points, Deantoni Melton with 16 and Jimmy Butler with 14 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
For Dallas, Cooper Flagg scored 27 points with six rebounds and five assists, and Brandon Williams had 26 points. P.J. Washington added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and former Golden State player Klay Thompson finished with seven points.
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