Nikola Jokic’s career-high 56 points weren’t enough to seal victory for the Denver Nuggets as they lost 113-122 to the Washington Wizards.
Jokic, a three-time MVP, recorded the second-most points in a game in league history, behind David Thompson’s 73-point performance in 1978.
But the Wizards, who led from the first half, managed to contain the Nuggets and Jokic to end their 16-game losing streak at Capital One Arena.
Wizards shooting guard Jordan Poole scored 39 points and made a career-high nine three-pointers, while Justin Champagnie scored 23 points and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
The Wizards, who had not won since October 30, were without Alexandre Sarr, while the Nuggets went to Washington without injured Jamal Murray (hamstring) and Aaron Gordon (calf).
In addition to scoring 56 points, Serbian Jokic also added 16 rebounds and eight assists.
His career-high comes two days after he surpassed NBA legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson in the rankings. all-time list for triple doubles with 139 – the third record in the history of the league.
The loss leaves the Nuggets ninth in the Western Conference, having lost 10 of their 21 games.
Elsewhere, Evan Mobley scored 41 points, a career-high for the league leader. Cleveland Cavaliers in a 116-102 victory over the Charlotte Frelons.
THE Memphis Grizzlies beat the defending champions Boston Celtics, THE Detroit Pistons overcome the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks claimed victory over Raptors in Toronto.
Find all of Saturday’s NBA scores here.
