Denver Nuggets claw Minnesota Timberwolves to reclaim top spot

DENVER – Nikola Jokic has reiterated what National Basketball Association (NBA) fans would have realised by now, that the Western Conference is “really, really tough”.

On April 10, the Serb scored 41 points as the Denver Nuggets reclaimed pole position in the Western play-off race with a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their top-of-the-table clash.

In a hard-fought showdown in Denver that saw the lead change hands 15 times, the Nuggets finally pulled clear in the fourth quarter to seal victory.

The result means the reigning NBA champions lead the West by one game with two regular-season fixtures remaining.

With lowly ranked Memphis and San Antonio as their final opponents, Denver (56-24) are now heavy favourites to finish top of the conference and seal the No. 1 seeding and home advantage through the play-offs.

“We found a way to win, our defence in the fourth quarter was amazing,” Jokic told ESPN, before downplaying the significance of Denver’s return to the top.

“It’s important to be honest, but the West is really, really tough. We could play the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State in the first round – they’re all good teams.”

Jokic, who also had 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, was backed by 20 points from Jamal Murray while Michael Porter Jr added 18.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves’ scoring with 25 points, while Mike Conley added 19. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid finished with 13 points apiece.

Minnesota’s defeat dropped them into a tie for second place with the Oklahoma City Thunder on 55-25.

The Thunder swatted aside San Antonio 127-89, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 26 points in a 38-point thrashing of the bottom-ranked Spurs (20-60).

The Phoenix Suns bounced back from their 105-92 home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on April 9 with a comprehensive 124-108 win on the road in the return fixture.

Devin Booker’s 37-point effort drove Phoenix to victory, with Kevin Durant adding 24 and Bradley Beal 26.

The win leaves Phoenix with a fighting chance of reaching the automatic play-off places with two games remaining.

The Suns (47-33) are seventh, just behind New Orleans, who occupy the last automatic post-season spot in the West with a 47-32 record.

Despite the win, Booker believes Phoenix still have plenty of room for improvement with the post-season looming.

“I don’t know if it was a great response (to defeat),” he said. “I think we still started the game a little slow. It’s been our problem all season.”

Phoenix’s victory also means that both the Warriors and the Lakers must go through the play-in repechage to earn a place in the play-offs.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks reeled off their fifth straight win by beating the Miami Heat 111-92.

Luka Doncic scored 29 points for Dallas in a result which ensured the New York Knicks clinched a play-off place in the East.

In another Eastern Conference game, the Milwaukee Bucks shrugged off the disappointment of losing Giannis Antetokounmpo to injury – he will miss the rest of the regular season – to beat the Orlando Magic 117-99.

Bobby Portis weighed in with a 30-point performance, while Damian Lillard added 29 for the Bucks, who are closing in on the No. 2 seed in the East with two games remaining.

The win left Bucks coach Doc Rivers singing the praises of Portis and guard Patrick Beverley, who finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

“They’re both nuts, in a very good way,” he said of the duo.“I like guys like them who can be that way but still be under control.

“They give the team energy – they’re natural instigators.

“It’s not fake, it’s what they do. But they’re not trying to do it – they just do it.

“Having guys like that on your team is invaluable.” AFP, REUTERS