Eastern Conference Recaps, March 22: Nikola Jokic’s Big Night Pushes Denver Nuggets Pass Washington Wizards

The Denver Nuggets have gotten closer to clinching a playoff berth for the fifth straight season.

They scored 36 points in the third quarter to secure a 118-104 victory against the Washington Wizards.

“We needed that,” said Nikola Jokic, who led the way with 31 points and 12 rebounds. “And we know what we needed to do. Because the postseason is going to be really short if we play like we played in the first half.”

Michael Porter had 21 points and Jamal Murray had 17.

WIth Kyle Kuzma sidelined due to an ankle injury. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 25 points and Deni Avdija had 16.

NEXT WIZARDS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 7 in Washington

OTHER NOTES:

-Rookie Andrew Nembhard recorded 25 points and 10 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 118-114 victory against the Toronto Raptors. Myles Turner had 16 points and rookie Bennedict Mathurin had 15.

Pascal Siakam’s 31 points and 10 rebounds led the Raptors while Fred VanVleet had 28 points and 11 assists.

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

-The Philadelphia 76ers’ 76 first-half points put them in position to grab a 116-91 victory against the Chicago Bulls. De’Anthony Melton led the way with 25 points and Tyrese Maxey had 21. Joel Embiid scored 12 points before exiting in the second quarter with a calf injury.

While DeMar DeRozan struggled, Zach LaVine had 16 points and Coby White scored 19 off the bench.

NEXT 76ERS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 6 in Philadelphia

-Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31 points and 14 rebounds led the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks to a 130-94 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Khris Middleton recorded 19 points and 10 assists while Bobby Portis had 19 points and 10 assists off the bench. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 16 points.

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.