NBA roundup: Durant leads Suns past Nuggets as Rockets silence Thunder

On Wednesday, Kevin Durant contributed 30 points and 13 rebounds in leading the Phoenix Suns to a 104-97 win against the reigning NBA champions Denver, maintaining a competitive position at the top of the Western Conference.

The Suns sank 16 three-pointers and maintained a lead after the first quarter in Denver. Kevin Durant emphasized the importance of focusing on the details during a crucial playoff push, rather than making a statement.

Nikola Jokic, despite playing through injury, contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists for the Nuggets.

However, the absence of Jamal Murray, sidelined with an ankle sprain, was noticeable as Denver suffered only their third loss in 18 games post-All-Star break, leaving them narrowly ahead of Oklahoma City and Minnesota in the Western Conference standings.

The Detroit Pistons were defeated by the Timberwolves 106-91, while the Thunder lost to the Rockets in overtime, extending Houston's winning streak to 10 games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was absent due to a right quadriceps contusion, with Josh Giddey scoring 31 points in his place, but Jalen Green's 37 points led the Rockets to victory.

Houston is now one game behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th spot in the West, with the Warriors beating the Magic 101-93 despite Draymond Green's early ejection.

Green received two technical fouls for arguing a call and was ejected, marking his fourth ejection of the season, but Stephen Curry's late baskets secured the win for the Warriors.

LeBron James, the star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, made a triumphant return after missing one game due to a sore left ankle. He recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Lakers to a 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Anthony Davis, who played an exhausting 52 minutes in the previous game, was unable to play due to a hyperextended left knee.

However, Rui Hachimura stepped up and contributed significantly with 32 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Lakers secure their fifth consecutive win.

In another game, the Los Angeles Clippers narrowly defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-107, but it was marred by controversy.

Officials admitted to missing a crucial call in the final seconds that could have given the 76ers a chance to win from the free-throw line. Despite the controversy,

Kawhi Leonard's impressive performance, including two three-point plays and a crucial block, sealed the victory for the Clippers.

Coach Nick Nurse and Kelly Oubre Jr. were both dissatisfied with the non-call, but Nurse acknowledged that sometimes these things happen in the game.

Referee Kevin Scott later admitted that upon reviewing the post-game video, a foul should have been called on Paul George.

However, there was some positive news for the 76ers, as Coach Nurse expressed confidence that Joel Embiid, the NBA Most Valuable Player, would return before the playoffs after being sidelined since January 30 due to a knee injury requiring surgery.