The Denver Nuggets continued their winning streak post-All-Star break, securing a 129-115 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Jamal Murray led with 34 points, while Nikola Jokic narrowly missed a triple-double, contributing 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. This win marks their ninth consecutive victory, moving them ahead of Memphis in the Western Conference standings.

Denver's duo put on a show tonight: Joki: 29 PTS | 17 REB | 9 AST Murray: 34 PTS | 7-10 3PT The @nuggets have now won 9-straight games pic.twitter.com/kEtrqYBAjH NBA TV (@NBATV) February 21, 2025

The Nuggets haven't lost since January 29 and are half a game ahead of the Grizzlies after Memphis fell to Indiana. Denver is aiming for a ten-game winning streak, which they last achieved during the 2012-13 season with a franchise-record run of fifteen victories.Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets struggled without LeMelo Ball, who rested due to an ankle issue. Miles Bridges stepped up with a season-high performance of 36 points, along with thirteen rebounds and seven assists. Despite his efforts, the Hornets have now lost ten out of their last twelve games.LeBron James made history by scoring forty points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102. James became the first player aged forty or older to achieve multiple forty-point games. Austin Reaves added thirty-two points to help secure the win.

Tonight, LeBron James became the FIRST player in NBA history to have multiple 40+ PT games at 40+ years old! Michael Jordan is the only other player to have a 40-PT game at 40, with 1. https://t.co/yDAx7kZDyF pic.twitter.com/h79AdWUpu8 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025

James also moved past Vince Carter for third place on the all-time regular-season games list with his appearance in his 1,542nd game. Despite turning over the ball eleven times, matching his career worst, he contributed eight rebounds and four assists.The Lakers played without Luka Doncic as he recovers from a calf injury. Deni Avdija led Portland with twenty-eight points as they suffered their fourth consecutive loss after previously winning six straight games.

Bucks Rally Past Clippers

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned for Milwaukee Bucks in their comeback win over Los Angeles Clippers. Although on limited minutes due to a calf strain recovery, Antetokounmpo scored twenty-three points and grabbed eight rebounds before resting late in the game.Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez were instrumental in Milwaukee's fourth-quarter comeback from thirteen points down. Lillard scored nine of his fifteen points after Antetokounmpo exited, while Lopez added six of his twenty-two points in crucial moments.

BUCKS WIN! pic.twitter.com/niTBReTpF2 Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2025

Milwaukee played without Bobby Portis due to suspension following a positive test for Tramadol. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with twenty-five points; James Harden added twenty-four and Ivica Zubac contributed twenty points and fifteen rebounds.These thrilling performances across various teams highlight an exciting phase in this NBA season as teams strive for playoff positions amidst individual milestones being achieved by players like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo's impactful return from injury.