Westbrook went for 25 points, two steals, two blocks and a corner three with 1:28 to go that doubled Denver’s lead. Sacramento did not go quietly — Zach LaVine answered 20 seconds later to creep back within one score — but the Nuggets made the stops and free throws necessary to escape.

Jokic has won three of the last four NBA MVP awards but could be having his best season to date. Jokic is averaging 28.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game this season with impressive 57.8/44.3/82.2 shooting splits.

Dec 3, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) controls the ball under pressure from Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images