Eastern Conference Recaps, March 16: The Denver Nuggets Clinched A Playoff Spot After A Victory Against Detroit Pistons

The Denver Nuggets saw an opportunity to snap their season-high four-game losing streak.

After grabbing a 119-100 victory against the NBA-worst Detroit Pistons, the Nuggets clinched a playoff spot and won the Northwest Division.

“This has to be a building block,” Denver head coach Michael Malone said. “I told our team, it’s a good win. Clinched a playoff spot. Won your division. That’s great. Let this be the start of something special. We lost four in a row, lowest of the low for us during this season. Now, let’s get back to playing and go on a run.”

Nikola Jokic led the way with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. He recorded three of those assists early in the game before attempting his first shot.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 20 points while Jamal Murray had 19 points and 10 assists. Rodney McGruder led the Pistons with a season-high 20 points. It was the most he scored since Apr. 8, 2022. Rookie Jalen Duren led all reserves with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

NEXT PISTONS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 19 in Detroit

OTHER NOTES:

-After defeating the Brooklyn Nets 101-96, the Sacramento Kings clinched a playoff spot for the first time since the 2005-06 season. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 24 points and 21 rebounds and De’Aaron Fox had 18 points.

Mikal Bridges scored 23 points for the Nets and Spencer Dinwiddie had 18.

NEXT NETS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 25 at Miami

-The Toronto Raptors made sure they protected their spot in the play-in tournament. They took a 128-111 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, their sixth straight win at home. Pascal Siakam led them with 25 points and 14 rebounds and Gary Trent scored 23 points off the bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points and rookie Jalen Wiliams had 15.

NEXT RAPTORS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 28 in Toronto

-Three Indiana Pacers players recorded 20-plus points in a 139-123 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. Rookie Andrew Nembhard led them with 24 points while Aaron Nesmith scored 22 and Buddy Hield had 20. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 25 points.

-With Kevin Durant sidelined a fourth straight game due to a sprained left ankle, Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a 116-113 victory against the Orlando Magic. He finished with 19 points and Cameron Payne had 18 off the bench.

Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 25 points and rookie Paolo Banchero had 18.

NEXT MAGIC GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 9 at Miami

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.