Kevin Durant climbed to 10th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, securing a total of 27,423 points by scoring 30 against the Denver Nuggets. Despite his milestone, the Phoenix Suns couldn’t secure a win, falling 119-111.
Nikola Jokic led the charge for the Nuggets with 21 points and 16 assists, supported by all five starters contributing at least 15 points. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic achieved a franchise record by clinching their ninth consecutive win, defeating the Washington Wizards 130-125, with Franz Wagner scoring 31 points.
The absence of Luka Doncic didn’t favor the Dallas Mavericks, who lost 108-94 to the Memphis Grizzlies, with Desmond Bane leading with 30 points. The Philadelphia 76ers, missing Joel Embiid, suffered a 125-119 defeat against the Boston Celtics, who saw Jayson Tatum ejected in the third quarter.
In other Friday matchups, the New York Knicks secured a 119-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors, while the San Antonio Spurs continued their struggles with a 14th consecutive loss, falling 121-106 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Spurs’ top draft pick Victor Wembanyama missed the game due to a tight right hip.
