Jokic pushes Nuggets to rout in Milwaukee

Nikola Jokic had 18 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds to help the Nuggets rout the Bucks 136-100 on Sunday night in Milwaukee.

The reigning NBA MVP just missed his 13th triple-double of the season. He matched his season high for assists.

Aaron Gordon scored 24 points, Monte Morris had 18 and Will Barton 15 for the Nuggets. Denver has won six of the past seven and 13 of the past 19 road games against Milwaukee.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 of his 29 points in the first half. He was the MVP in consecutive seasons before Jokic earned that honor last season.

Jrue Holiday scored 14 points, and Bobby Portis added 11 for the Bucks. Grayson Allen finished with 11 points in his second start since serving a one-game suspension for his flagrant foul 2 on the Bulls’ Alex Caruso that resulted in a fractured right wrist.

Denver took control in the third quarter. The Nuggets led 118-93 when the Bucks called a timeout with 5:55 left to play and cleared the bench.

Suns 115, Spurs 110: Chris Paul had 20 points, 19 assists and eight rebounds as host Phoenix extended its winning streak to 10 games.

Timberwolves 126, Jazz 106: Karl-Anthony Towns had a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as host Minnesota handed Utah its fifth straight loss.

Hawks 129, Lakers 121: Trae Young scored 36 points and Atlanta earned its seventh straight win by rallying in the fourth quarter to beat visiting Los Angeles.

Malik Monk led Los Angeles with 33 points in the Lakers’ third consecutive loss, all without LeBron James.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said before the game that an MRI exam on James’ knee revealed “general swelling.”

“As long as the swelling is there, he’s going to be out,” Vogel said.

Bulls 130, Trail Blazers 116:

Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 14 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan added 23 points and 10 assists and host Chicago overcame a slow to start to beat Portland.

Zach LaVine had 20 points, and Ayo Dosunmu finished with 11 assists. Chicago has won three of four to improve to 31-18.

Magic 110, Mavericks 108:

Franz Wagner scored 18 points, including the tie-breaking layup with 54 seconds remaining, and host Orlando overcame Luka Doncic’s seventh tripledouble of the season to beat Dallas.

Doncic finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Mavericks for his 43rd triple-double of his career, tying Fat Lever for 10th place in NBA history.

Clippers 115, Hornets 90:

Reggie Jackson and Brandon Boston Jr. each scored 19 points, helping visiting Los Angeles beat Charlotte.

Pistons 115, Cavaliers 105:

Saddiq Bey scored 31 points, Cade Cunningham had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and host Detroit overcame a terrible start to beat Cleveland.