NBA: Nikola Jokic piles more misery on Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs as Denver Nuggets move top

Nikola Jokic scored 31 points for the Denver Nuggets in a 117-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, handing Victor Wembanyama’s side a fifth loss in six games.

Jokic’s inspired performance helped the Nuggets extend their record to 47-20 which means they sit top of the Western Conference.

As for the Spurs, Wembanyama’s effort of 17 points could not help them avoid a third-straight defeat as they battle to lift themselves from the foot of the standings, where they remain with a record of 14-53.

Speaking before the encounter, Jokic had waxed lyrical about the French rookie.

He said: "[Wembanyama's] playing hard and he wants to be good. I think he's playing hard, and he doesn't take it for granted.

"He's making mistakes, which is normal. I think the media around him doesn't help, but he's going to get used to it because the guy is 19 years old. He's going to change the game, 100%.

"He's already on that path, so for all of the guys, just enjoy and watch the show and let the guy change the game."

But it was Jokic who dominated the encounter and it leaves the Nuggets in a strong position as they look to defend their maiden NBA title.

They have now won five in a row, and it was also their 11th victory in 12 games.

The Los Angeles Clippers are also competing toward the sharp end of the Western Conference but were beaten by the New Orleans Pelicans 112-104.

Zion Williamson scored 34 points as the fifth-placed Pelicans closed the gap on the Clippers in fourth spot to two games.

Kevin Durant moved to within 20 points of Shaquille O'Neal's record of 28,596 and the top eight biggest point-scorers of all time after he scored 13 in the Phoenix Suns’ 107-96 victory at the Charlotte Hornets.

Devin Booker contributed 21 points for the Suns, who are aiming for a place in the Western Conference top six, as they bid to avoid the play-in tournament to reach the play-offs.

Elsewhere, there was a tight game between the Utah Jazz and the Atlanta Hawks as the Jazz came out on top, winning 124-122.

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