Tatum and Jokic lead Celtics and Nuggets to victory

(AFP) Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic, the stars of the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, delivered cluth performances Friday to secure victories for their teams. while Dejounte Murray (Pelicans) suffered a season-ending injury. 

Tatum sealed the Celtics' 118-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans with a last-second basket, while Jokic scored eight points in the final minute to lift the Nuggets to a 137-134 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

In New Orleans, the Celtics emerged victorious in a hard-fought matchup against the Pelicans, who suffered their fifth consecutive loss while missing Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Young forward Trey Murphy III led the defending champions with 40 points, one shy of his personal record, and eight three-pointers converted out of 12 attempts.

The Pelicans' injury woes continued as they lost their third star, point guard Dejounte Murray, in the first quarter. Murray suffered a right leg injury in a non-contact play after taking a shot.

After the game, U.S. media reported that Murray, a 2022 All-Star selection, has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

'Wemby' beats Giannis

In Philadelphia, Nikola Jokic once again led the Nuggets to victory, recording 28 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists.

The Serbian center and reigning NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic, took control of the game with one minute remaining, as the Sixers held a one-point lead (127-128). Canadian Jamal Murray supported Jokic with 31 points and 11 assists.

The highlight of the day was when Giannis Antetokounmpo faced off against Victor Wembanyama, with the rookie leading the San Antonio Spurs to an unexpected 144-118 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The young French phenom, who was named to his first All-Star Game on Thursday, dazzled with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks against Greece’s Antetokounmpo, who posted 35 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.