NBA: Historic Jokic takes down Suns, Cavs extend winning streak in overtime

No NBA player had ever recorded a game with more than 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists—until Nikola Jokic did. On Friday, the Serbian superstar delivered an unprecedented triple-double, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 149-141 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Jokić delivered a historic performance with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists in 45 minutes on the court. The dominant display strengthened his case for a fourth MVP award this year and spoiled a spirited comeback by the Suns, who had trailed by 21 points in the third quarter.

Phoenix fought hard to stay in the game, led by star players Devin Booker, who scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant, who finished with 29. The 36-year-old Durant forced overtime with a clutch three-pointer from the corner, beating the buzzer with just 1.4 seconds left to tie the game.

Despite the setback, the Nuggets responded with seven consecutive points at the start of overtime, putting the victory back on track. This win brings them closer to securing second place in the Western Conference, currently held by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thunder wins without starters

In other Friday results, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-89, despite being without their starters.

The Thunder, leading the Western Conference with a record of 52 wins and 11 losses, gave their star players a rest, including superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is a strong rival to Jokic for the MVP award.

Centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, forward Jalen Williams, and shooting guard Lu Dort also received rest against the Blazers, who, despite sitting in 12th place in the West, had won five of their last seven games. Forward Aaron Wiggins stepped up as Oklahoma City's offensive leader, scoring 30 points in the win.

For the struggling Blazers, who trailed by 21 points at one point, reserve point guard Scoot Henderson led the team with 22 points, while shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe contributed 19.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a 122-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and continue to struggle, with the disconcerting Luka Doncic trade and injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks have now dropped four consecutive games.

Thirteenth straight win

In the East, the top-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (53-10) had a tougher time than expected, narrowly defeating the second-to-last place Charlotte Hornets 118-117.

All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers in scoring with 24 points, but it came on a rough 6-of-19 shooting from the field.

Point guard Darius Garland added 20 points as Cleveland extended its winning streak to 13 games.

For the Hornets, forward Miles Bridges put on a standout performance, scoring 46 points.