The Association’s penultimate playdate in 2024 delivered some great action—including another scuffle, a game-winner, and a masterclass from one of the NBA’s best teams. Let’s review some of the daily notables:
Nuggets Get W as Russell Westbrook Gets ‘Perfect’ Triple-Double
Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic each had a triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets (18-13) to a 132-121 triumph over the Utah Jazz (7-24) at Delta Center.
Jokic went off for 36 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 assists for his 13th triple-double this season alone. Westbrook added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a rare start for the Nuggets. He was 7-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 from the free throw line, and had 0 turnovers for only the second “perfect” triple-double in history (Domantas Sabonis had the first).
Jamal Murray and Christian Braun added 20 apiece. Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 24 points off the bench, while Collin Sexton added 22.
(Up next: Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks, Jazz vs. New York Knicks on January 2)
Kings Beat Mavs for First Win After Firing Mike Brown
De’Aaron Fox had 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists as the Sacramento Kings (14-19) notched a 110-100 win over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks (20-13).
The Mavs, who played without Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Klay Thompson, raced out to a 37-23 advantage after one thanks to PJ Washington’s hot hands. But the Kings came roaring back in the second and took the lead for good in the third for their first win since firing Mike Brown.
Domantas Sabonis added 16 points and 17 assists, while DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Trey Lyles had 14 each. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Mavs with 30 points, while Washington finished with 28.
(Up next: Kings vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Mavs vs. Houston Rockets on January 2)
Cavs Rout Warriors for Dominant Season Sweep
The Cleveland Cavaliers (28-4) once again proved to be good for the Golden State Warriors (16-16), notching a dominant 113-95 victory at Chase Center for the season sweep.
Darius Garland finished with 25 points and 8 dimes for the Cavs, who took control by outscoring the Warriors 57-38 in the middle quarters. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points. Moses Moody paced the Warriors with 19 markers off the bench, but Steph Curry only had 11 on 4-for-14 from the field.
(Up next: Cavs vs. Los Angeles Lakers on January 1, Warriors vs. Sixers on January 3)
