NBA roundup: Jokic-less Nuggets stun Warriors, Lakers blow out Spurs

Aaron Gordon delivered an impressive performance, scoring 38 points as the Denver Nuggets overcame the absence of Nikola Jokic to end the Golden State Warriors' seven-game winning streak with a 114-105 victory on Monday.

Gordon's exceptional play was pivotal in securing a decisive win for Denver, who were without regular starters Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Despite these key absences, Denver quickly took control of the game at San Francisco's Chase Center, maintaining the lead for the majority of the match.

Although the Warriors attempted a late comeback, narrowing the Nuggets' fourth-quarter advantage from 15 points to just three, Denver managed to extend their lead in the final moments, clinching a well-deserved victory.

Gordon's stat line included 38 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed significantly with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, converting only eight of their 33 three-point attempts. Jimmy Butler was the leading scorer for Golden State, finishing with 23 points.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr criticized his team's "awful" performance.

"We played poorly out of the gate and never found rhythm and they played great," Kerr said. "The right team won. We didn't deserve that. We were awful."

Denver improved its record to 44-25, securing third place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Warriors fell to 39-29, placing them sixth.

The Los Angeles Lakers are closely trailing Denver in fourth position after a decisive 125-109 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite LeBron James being sidelined due to injury, Austin Reaves stepped up to lead the Lakers with 30 points, while Luka Doncic contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and 14 assists.

In another exciting matchup, the Houston Rockets executed a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers, overcoming a 25-point deficit in the third quarter to win 144-137 in overtime.

The struggling Sixers, who received disappointing news regarding Paul George's injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, initially stunned the Rockets by outscoring them 44-28 in the first quarter.

Leading 78-57 at halftime, the Sixers extended their lead to 25 points early in the third quarter. However, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks spearheaded a significant turnaround for the Rockets, who found their shooting rhythm and outscored the Sixers 45-24 in that quarter.

The Rockets tied the game at 131-131 with just 3.9 seconds left, then dominated in overtime to secure their seventh consecutive victory, maintaining their second-place position in the Western Conference with a record of 44-25, trailing the Oklahoma City leaders by 12.5 games.

Quentin Grimes was the standout for Philadelphia, scoring 46 points, including eight three-pointers, while Green and Jabari Smith Jr. each contributed 30 points for Houston.

In Minnesota, another thrilling overtime game saw Obi Toppin lead the Indiana Pacers to a narrow 132-130 victory over the Timberwolves, finishing with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists. Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the Timberwolves with 38 points.

SportsLigue