Nuggets Rise to Western Conference Lead; Cavaliers and Pelicans Battle as NBA Playoff Race Heats Up

Thunder Drops to Second

Although the Thunder didn't play today, the Nuggets visited Miami to challenge the Heat. Facing the Heat, it was expected that Jokić would need to be fully unleashed to win. However, with Michael Porter Jr.'s performance, Jokić had an easy game. The Nuggets pushed in the fourth quarter and ultimately defeated their opponent 100-88. Butler had a poor performance, making 6 out of 16 shots for 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. With this loss, the Heat's record falls to 35 wins and 30 losses, ranking them eighth in the East.

For the Nuggets, Jokić made 5 out of 8 shots for 12 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal. Murray scored 14 points with 2 rebounds and 5 assists. The best performer was Michael Porter Jr., who made 9 out of 16 shots, including 5 out of 9 three-pointers, for 25 points and 7 rebounds. Gordon scored 16 points with 8 rebounds. With this win, the Nuggets' record improves to 46 wins and 20 losses, leading them to first place in the West, half a game ahead of the second-place Thunder and one game ahead of the third-place Timberwolves.

Pelicans Lose to Cavaliers

In this game, the Cavaliers welcomed Mitchell's return. In the second quarter, thanks to the performance of their substitutes, they established an 18-point lead. Although Zion and Ingram tried to rally, Garland stood firm against the Pelicans' offense, leading to a 95-116 loss for the Pelicans. For the Cavaliers, Garland scored 27 points with 6 rebounds and 11 assists, Allen scored 17 points with 10 rebounds, and Mitchell made 14 points from 16 shots. Following this win, the Cavaliers overtook the Bucks to rank second in the East with a record of 42 wins and 24 losses.

Following today's games, the Nuggets have climbed to first place in the West; Thunder and Timberwolves are second and third respectively, each separated by half a game. The Clippers are three games behind the third-place Timberwolves but lead the fifth-place Pelicans by two and a half games. The Pelicans are one game ahead of the Kings; Kings are tied in wins with seventh-place Suns; Suns are half a game ahead of eighth-place Mavericks; Mavericks are two and a half games ahead of ninth-place Lakers; Lakers lead tenth-place Warriors by three and a half games.

Currently, the play-in tournament teams are Lakers, Warriors, Suns, and Mavericks featuring James, Curry, Durant, and Dončić respectively. If this remains unchanged until season's end, it promises an exciting finish.