NBA Top Five Performances, March 25: Nikola Jokic’s Double-Double Helped the Denver Nuggets Defeat the Milwaukee Bucks

Nikola Jokic bested Giannis Antetokounmpo in the battle of the MVP front runners.

TOP PLAYERS OF THE DAY:

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets had a rough patch after losing five of six. 

It’s safe to say they’ve responded since, extending their win streak to three after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. Jokic had 31 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, reminding fans why he was the undisputed MVP frontrunner most of the season. Jokic had his 55th double-double of the season, ranking second behind Domantas Sabonis for the league lead. 

“I think this is our most impressive win since the beginning of the month,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “It’s been a while since we put forth a 48-minute effort. They have the best record in the NBA, we know how talented they are. The defense was outstanding, the rebounding and ball movement was there.”

OTHERS:

- Trey Murphy III’s career-high 10 3-pointers contributed to a 32-point night in the New Orleans Pelicans’ blowout victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

- Devin Booker’s 29-point performance helped the Phoenix Suns defeat the Philadelphia 76ers and end a three-game losing streak.

- Despite the loss, Utah Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler had a career-high 31 points and 11 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings. Kessler became the first rookie in franchise history to have at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a single game.

- Dejounte Murray had 20 points, 12 assists and two steals to help the Atlanta Hawks win over the Indiana Pacers without Trae Young in the fourth quarter.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.