Harden leads Nets to seventh straight win and clutch Doncic lifts Mavs as Jokic scores 41

Harden recorded his sixth triple-double since joining the Nets from the Houston Rockets in January, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists as Brooklyn extended their winning streak to seven games on Tuesday (February 23).

The former MVP is averaging 27.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game with a .500 field goal percentage during Brooklyn's seven-game winning run. Per Stats Perform, the last NBA player to reach all those numbers over a seven-game span was Magic Johnson in 1988.

Bruce Brown scored 13 of his career-high 29 points in the final quarter, while Nets team-mate Kyrie Irving put up 21 of his own at home to the slumping Kings – who have lost eight games in a row.

Last 7 games for James Harden of the @BrooklynNets:

27.7 PPG
9.4 RPG
11.1 APG
.500 FG%
7 wins

The last NBA player to reach all of those numbers over a 7-game span was Magic Johnson from November 28 to December 10, 1988.

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) February 24, 2021

Jokic goes off in Denver, Giannis stars

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic scored 41 points to inspire his team to a 111-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo helped the Milwaukee Bucks past the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-112 thanks to his 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals.

The Golden State Warriors topped the New York Knicks 114-106 behind Stephen Curry's game-high 37 points on the road.

Kawhi Leonard (32 points) and Paul George (30 points) combined as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Washington Wizards 135-116.

Baptism of fire for debutant Finch

How big is the challenge facing new Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch? Look no further than the loss to the Bucks. Minnesota have lost five consecutive games and nine of their last 10 to own the NBA's worst record of 7-25. Former Raptors assistant Finch replaced Ryan Saunders on Monday.

Fred VanVleet was just four of 14 from the field for 12 points in the Toronto Raptors' 109-102 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds for the 76ers, but he was only three-of-13 shooting from the field.

Doncic calls game

Luka Doncic delivered in a clutch moment for the Dallas Mavericks, who edged the Boston Celtics 110-107. Doncic nailed a three-pointer with 0.1 seconds remaining to break a tie against Boston. He posted 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

LUKA. FOR. THE. WIN.pic.twitter.com/xrKnMGjzTP

— NBA (@NBA) February 24, 2021

Tuesday's results

Cleveland Cavaliers 112-111 Atlanta Hawks

Detroit Pistons 105-93 Orlando Magic

Brooklyn Nets 127-118 Sacramento Kings

Golden State Warriors 114-106 New York Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers 109-102 Toronto Raptors

Dallas Mavericks 110-107 Boston Celtics

Milwaukee Bucks 139-112 Minnesota Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets 111-106 Portland Trail Blazers

Los Angeles Clippers 135-116 Washington Wizards

Lakers at Jazz

It is the hunted against the hunters on Wednesday (February 24). Defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers travel to the NBA-leading Utah Jazz midweek. A run of three consecutive losses has left the Lakers (22-10) third in the Western Conference, behind the Jazz (25-6) and neighbours the Clippers (23-10).