The Latest Breaking News from Nikola Jokic

DENVER -- As the clock wound down, Nikola Jokic pulled a rabbit out of his hat.

The basketball was loose, a wild scramble ensued and big bodies hit the deck. Guard Bones Hyland finally came away with the ball and coolly drained a 29-foot 3-pointer. The crowd erupted.

DENVER — Losers of three straight and seeking a spark, the Los Angeles Clippers hoped this night would represent a turnaround.

The St. Louis native jumped out to an early lead in the narrative-based regular season award but has since seen the pressure turned up by the likes of Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic, Dallas Mavericks wunderkind Luka Doncic, and even a handful of other would-be challengers.

DENVER — As Jamal Murray rested his surgically-repaired knee, another Nugget took up the crucial role of Celtics irritant: Bones Hyland.

Half of Denver’s roster could be in the infirmary yet as long as No. 15 was healthy, the Nuggets would have a chance.

DALLAS — Luka Doncic followed his historic 60-point, 21-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in the Mavericks’ Tuesday night thriller over the New York Knicks by hydrating with water, a protein shake and beer and sifting through his own highlights on social media and NBA TV while relaxing in the locker room.

Three thoughts on Boston’s 139–118 Christmas Day drubbing of Milwaukee, including how Jayson Tatum added to his growing list of conquered foes.

Ralph Rivera, Managing Director of NBA Europe and Middle East says the NBA will eventually return to the UK as it shares the load with games elsewhere and plans to return to Abu Dhabi after a successful pre-season trip