Nikola Jokic starred with 23 first-half points as the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 to secure the Western Conference’s third seed.
The reigning MVP played limited minutes but ensured Denver built a decisive lead they never relinquished. The Nuggets now face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs. Elsewhere, LeBron James guided the Los Angeles Lakers to fourth seed, setting up a clash with the Houston Rockets.
In the East, the Toronto Raptors clinched fifth, while the Detroit Pistons finished top with 60 wins in a strong regular-season finish.