Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic continued his big-scoring form by hitting 48 points as the Denver Nuggets eased past the Atlanta Hawks 141-111 on Sunday.
Jokic, who recorded a career-high 56 points in his side’s loss to Washington on Saturday, dominated against the Hawks with 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
The Hawks had come into the game on a six-game winning streak but were blown away with Michael Porter Jr adding 26 points for the Nuggets and Christian Braun 17.
And it was Serbian star Jokic’s performance that earned extra praise from coach Michael Malone.
“I can’t say I’m surprised because I’ve been spoiled by having the best seat in the house to watch this guy for 10 years, to watch him do it night-in, night-out,” Malone said.
“I feel privileged to have the chance to coach him. I never take it for granted.”
Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors fought back from a 12-point deficit early in the third quarter to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106.
Stephen Curry had 30 points and eight assists for the Warriors, including a three-point buzzer-beater from near the halfway line at the end of the third that put them 93-90 ahead.
For the San Antonio Spurs veteran Chris Paul claimed his 12,092th career assist in the second quarter of his side’s 121-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans to move ahead of Jason Kidd in the all-time standings.
Paul, who now has 12,099 assists, only trails John Stockton, the Utah Jazz legend having 15,806 in the category.
The Los Angeles Lakers, without LeBron James, who has a foot injury, got the better of the Portland Trail Blazers 107-98.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers scoring with 30 points, with D’Angelo Russell adding 28 and Rui Hachimura 23.
And Joel Embiid marked his return to action by helping the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The 30-year-old Cameroon-born centre had 31 points and 12 rebounds after his seven-game absence because of a knee injury and personal reasons.