Nuggets' unlikely 30-point duo helps top Rockets
The Denver Nuggets scored 83 first-half points en route to victory in the NBA Western Conference showdown.
The Denver Nuggets outlasted the Houston Rockets 136-122 in a high-scoring affair on Friday.
Denver (36-15) scored 83 first-half points en route to victory in the NBA Western Conference showdown.
The unlikely duo of Malik Beasley and Nikola Jokic scored 35 and 31 points respectively against the Rockets (29-22).
Jokic was one assist shy of a triple-double for a piping hot Denver team that shot 62.2 per cent from the field.
James Harden extended his streak of consecutive 30-point games by totalling 30 points and nine assists.
The Nuggets are now tied with reigning champions the Golden State Warriors for first place in the Western Conference.
George enjoys big night
Paul George hit a career-high 10 three-pointers en route to a 43-point performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-102 win against the Miami Heat.
Rudy Gobert posted 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Utah Jazz took down the Atlanta Hawks 128-112.
Kyrie Irving's 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists fuelled the Boston Celtics to a 113-99 victory over the New York Knicks.
Gasol headlines Memphis' woes
Marc Gasol scored eight points on three-of-10 shooting in the Memphis Grizzlies' 100-92 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Dion Waiters scored five points on two-of-10 shooting for the Heat.
Craig with the slam
This leaning Torrey Craig dunk was one of many for Denver.
Russell Westbrook knifed through the lane for a routine slam against the Heat.
Friday's results
Charlotte Hornets 100-92 Memphis Grizzlies
Boston Celtics 113-99 New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder 118-102 Miami Heat
Utah Jazz 128-112 Atlanta Hawks
Denver Nuggets 136-122 Houston Rockets
Lakers at Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors the last time these two teams met. The Lakers claimed a 127-101 victory without LeBron James, who left the Christmas Day game after suffering a groin injury. James returned from a prolonged absence on Thursday, so it should make for an exciting rematch.