It was a very busy day around the NBA, and it was hard to choose which three games to highlight. So, we’ll go with these three: two games featuring two hot teams and a rematch between former NBA Finals combatants.
Nuggets Throttle Sixers as Fans Ask, “Where’s Embiid At?”
Nikola Jokic notched his 19th triple-double of the season as he and the rest of the Denver Nuggets (27-16) made mincemeat of the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers (15-27) with a 144-109 triumph at Ball Center.
Jokic had 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on top of 3 steals and 1 block as he faced little opposition from the Sixers. Christian Braun fired 20 points and Michael Porter Jr. scattered 19 as the Nuggets won every quarter. With the blowout on, Denver began asking, “Where’s Embiid at?” as the Sixers big man last played in the Mile High City back in December 2019.
Tyrese Maxey’s game-high 28 points led the Sixers, while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in 22 off the Philly bench.
Up next:
Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings on January 24
Sixers vs. Cleveland Cavs on January 24
Knicks Survive Nets in Battle of New York
Jalen Brunson came through in the clutch to lead the New York Knicks (29-16) to a close 99-95 victory over interstate rival Brooklyn Nets (14-30) at Barclays Center.
Brunson took over with the Knicks down 90-89 and struggling to put points on the board—putting up only seven up to the 2:18 mark of the fourth. The prospective All-Star made three consecutive mid-range jumpers to give New York a 97-95 lead. He then made the game-sealing freebies off a Josh Hart offensive rebound for the final count.
Brunson finished with 17 points and 4 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Knicks with 25 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. OG Anunoby added 20. D’Angelo Russell topscored for the Nets with 23.
Up next:
Knicks vs. Kings on January 26
Nets vs. Phoenix Suns on January 23
Lakers Blast Wizards, Get Back in Win Column
The Los Angeles Lakers (23-18) got back on the winning track in a big way with a 111-88 dismantling of the Washington Wizards (6-36) at crypto.com Arena.
Anthony Davis dominated the Wiz, finishing with 29 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks. LeBron James added a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists as the Lakers opened up a 10-point lead at halftime and cruised in the second half.
Bilal Coulibaly’s 17 paced the Wizards, while Jordan Poole and Corey Kispert chipped in 15 apiece.
Up next:
Lakers vs. Boston Celtics on January 24
Wizards vs. Los Angeles Clippers on January 24
