NBA roundup: Jokić joins NBA pantheon in Nuggets win, Orlando extends magic streak

Denver, Colorado - Reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokić became the third player in NBA history with 40 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game as the Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Hornets 119-115 on Sunday.

Nikola Jokić made NBA history in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Nikola Jokić made NBA history in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Charlotte Hornets.  © USA TODAY Sports

Jokić finished with 40 points, 27, rebounds and 10 assists for his 81st career triple-double, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players to achieve this stat line.

The Serbian is the first player to reach that mark since Chamberlain in 1968. The NBA legend managed that milestone four times in his decorated career.

Jokić pulled down 20 rebounds before half-time in a dominant display in the paint, leading Denver to an 18-11 overall record. His 27 rebounds were a career-high, and it was his fifth triple-double of the season.

NBA MVP award finalists named as contenders battle it out for league honors
NBA NBA MVP award finalists named as contenders battle it out for league honors

The Denver center received strong support from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Jamal Murray dished off 11 assists. Aaron Gordon chipped in with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hornets fall to a 7-23 record, with LaMelo Ball scoring 31 points, including four triples, on 100% three-point shooting in his third game back from injury.

Around the league: Magic and Nets just keep winning

The Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero rises to score against the Boston Celtics.
The Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero rises to score against the Boston Celtics.  © USA TODAY Sports

This season's top overall NBA Draft pick Paolo Banchero scored 31 points as the Orlando Magic claimed their sixth straight win and toppled the Boston Celtics 95-92.

Banchero produced his third 30-point game, shooting six-of-seven from beyond the arc, while Admiral Schofield contributed 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter.

The win means the Magic completed a sweep of consecutive games in Bolton and extended their win streak to their longest since March 2019.

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The Brooklyn Nets aslo made it six-in-a-row as Kevin Durant scored 26 of his 43 points in the third quarter to carry a 17-point comeback in their 124-121 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Kyrie Irving added 38 points as the Nets secured their sixth straight win.

The Minnesota Timberwolves broke their franchise single-game scoring record in a 150-126 rout over the Chicago Bulls, led by Anthony Edwards' season-high 37 points and 11 assists.

And the Golden State Warriors won for the first time this season without the injured Stephen Curry (shoulder), with Jordan Poole scoring a career-high 43 points in a 126-110 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Pascal Siakam top-scored for the Raptors with 27 points, adding six assists and five rebounds.

Cover photo: Collage: USA TODAY Sports

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