Jokic nets season-high 42 to lead NBA Nuggets over Wizards

WASHINGTON: Nikola Jokic scored a season-high 42 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to power the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets over Washington 113-104 on Sunday (Jan 21).

The Serbian superstar centre, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, made 15-of-20 shots from the floor and 12-of-14 free throws while adding eight assists, three blocks and a steal against the host Wizards.

"It's never easy. Not 42," Jokic said. "It's just a mindset. We needed this win. For us, every game is a must-win game."

Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. each added 19 points for the Nuggets (30-14), who rose within a game of the Western Conference lead, while Kyle Kuzma's 17 points led Washington (7-35).

Jokic's wife and daughter attended the game, bringing special joy to his performance.

"It's amazing. My family means everything to me. It's something that I'm really proud of," he said. "Wherever they go, whatever they do, I know they're on my side."

NBA overall leader Boston, paced by 32 points from Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis plus Derrick White's 21 points and 12 rebounds, won 116-107 at Houston.

"Early on I just got a lot of open looks," said Porzingis, who scored 15 points in the first quarter. "Missed the first two but stayed aggressive. I knew they were going to fall sooner or later."

The victory came two nights after Denver edged Boston 102-100, delivering the Celtics' first home defeat of the season.

"We know if we want to be a championship-calibre team we cannot lose multiple games in a row," Porzingis said.

"We had a tough one the other night against Denver at home, another championship-calibre team. We came up a little bit short and took some lessons from that one and wanted to bounce back tonight."

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