Nikola Jokic performed exceptionally well in Denver Nuggets’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies by 126:111.
Jokic recorded 15 points and rebounds each, along with five assists and four steals, but all of this wasn’t enough to secure the first position in the Western Conference, as the Oklahoma City Thunder demolished the Dallas Mavericks by 135:86, thus claiming the top spot.
A small favor to Mike Malone’s team was done by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were defeated by the Phoenix Suns by 125:106, allowing the reigning champion to seize the second position, ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns and his teammates.
When it comes to the course of the game, after an evenly matched first quarter, the Denver Nuggets played much better and began to break the rhythm of their opponents in the second quarter.
Gradually, they increased their lead, ultimately celebrating a fairly convincing win and closing the curtain on the regular season in the best possible way.
The top scorer for the winners was Jamal Murray with 21 points. For the hosts, GG Jackson scored 44 points.
As a result, the Denver Nuggets will await the seventh-placed opponent, coming from the play-in games, from their position in second place. A similar scenario unfolds for the first-placed team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, except they will face the eighth-placed team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (3) will face the Phoenix Suns (6), while the fourth-placed Los Angeles Clippers will take on the fifth-placed Dallas Mavericks.
Play-in matchups – Western Conference
New Orleans Pelicans (7) – Los Angeles Lakers (8)
Sacramento Kings (9) – Golden State Warriors (10)
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics (1) vs Winner of the play-in (8)
New York Knicks (2) vs Winner of the play-in (7)
Milwaukee Bucks (3) – Indiana Pacers (6)
Cleveland Cavaliers (4) – Orlando Magic (5)
Play-in matchups – Eastern Conference
Philadelphia 76ers (7) – Miami Heat (8)
Chicago Bulls (9) – Atlanta Hawks (10)