Murray Drops Career-High 55 as Nuggets Extend Winning Streak
Jamal Murray erupted for a career-best 55 points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 132-121 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. This marked Denver’s eighth straight win, further solidifying their position as one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
Murray’s 55-point performance is now the third-highest single-game scoring total in Nuggets franchise history, trailing only David Thompson’s legendary 73-point game in 1978 and Nikola Jokic’s 56-point outing earlier this season.
Murray was red-hot from the field, hitting 20 of 36 shots, including 7 of 15 from three-point range. He dominated every quarter, showcasing his elite shot-making ability and relentless driving to the basket.
Nikola Jokic added yet another triple-double, contributing 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Christian Braun stepped up with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
On the other side, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 26 points, while rookie Donovan Clingan impressed with a career-high 20 rebounds to go with 17 points. Jabari Walker chipped in 17 points, but Portland fell to their third straight loss after a promising six-game winning streak.
Knicks Outlast Hawks in OT Thriller
In New York, Jalen Brunson’s clutch jumper with 11 seconds left in overtime lifted the Knicks to a 149-148 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA’s highest-scoring game this season.
Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 44 points and 10 rebounds, while Brunson added 36 points and eight assists. Trae Young’s 38 points and 19 assists for Atlanta weren’t enough, as the Hawks fell short despite forcing overtime with a Georges Niang three-pointer.
Bucks Edge Timberwolves Without Giannis, Lillard
In Minnesota, Brook Lopez’s clutch free throws with 10.9 seconds left helped the Milwaukee Bucks grind out a 103-101 win over the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points but struggled from the field (10-of-33), while Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert each posted double-doubles. The Bucks secured the win despite being without stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Tatum Powers Celtics Past Spurs
Jayson Tatum’s 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists led the Boston Celtics to a 116-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Kristaps Porzingis added 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds for San Antonio, who cut a 24-point deficit late but fell short.
Pacers Rally to Beat Wizards in OT
Obi Toppin had 31 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 134-130 overtime win over the Washington Wizards. Jordan Poole poured in 42 points for the Wizards, but Indiana’s depth proved the difference.
Rockets Hold Off Suns
Tari Eason scored 25 points and rookie Amen Thompson notched a triple-double as the Houston Rockets defeated a short-handed Phoenix Suns squad 119-111. Kevin Durant had 37 points for Phoenix, but Houston’s second-chance points proved too much.
Magic Dominate Hornets
Paolo Banchero’s 24 points led the Orlando Magic to a 102-86 win over the Charlotte Hornets, who were without LaMelo Ball.
Cavaliers Roll Over Raptors
Donovan Mitchell’s 21 points paced the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 131-108 win over the Toronto Raptors, securing their fourth straight victory.
Thunder Overcome Heat With Big Comeback
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 115-101 win over the Miami Heat, rallying from a 21-point deficit with a 24-0 run to start the fourth quarter.
Nets Edge 76ers
D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points, helping the Brooklyn Nets defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 100-96. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were both out for Philly.
Pistons Beat Bulls Again
Cade Cunningham’s 29 points guided the Detroit Pistons to a 128-110 win over the Chicago Bulls, giving Detroit their fourth straight win.
Kings Hold Off Pelicans
Keon Ellis scored 27 points and DeMar DeRozan added 24 as the Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119-111. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 33 points.
Jazz End Lakers’ Win Streak
Lauri Markkanen’s 32 points led the Utah Jazz to a 131-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, snapping LA’s six-game winning streak.
Mavericks Edge Warriors
Kyrie Irving exploded for 42 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 111-107 win over the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry had 25 points for Golden State.
Clippers Cruise Past Grizzlies
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-114, with James Harden moving to 13th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
