NBA ROUND-UP: Nikola Jokic records his 13th triple-double of the season as the Nuggets win

Nikola Jokic had 36 points as part of his 13th triple-double of the season to offset a 44-point performance from Damian Lillard, and the Denver Nuggets won their 14th straight home game by topping the Portland Trail Blazers 122-113 on Tuesday night.

Jokic, who was 13 of 14 from the floor, finished with 12 rebounds and 10 assists. The Nuggets improved to 13-0 this season when the two-time reigning NBA MVP records a triple-double.

The Nuggets were without head coach Michael Malone, who missed the game after entering the league´s health and safety protocols. Acting coach David Adelman stepped in and the Western Conference-leading Nuggets didn´t miss a beat.

Nikola Jokic (left) had 36 points as part of his 13th triple-double of the season 

It was a game that, at times, turned into the Jokic vs. Lillard Show. This was Lillard´s 214th career game with 30 or more points.

Michael Porter Jr. had 23 points and Jamal Murray added 17 for Denver, which improved to 20-3 at home as a capacity crowd braved a snowstorm that was starting to hit the city.

The Trail Blazers dropped their eighth straight road game.

Jokic #15 of the Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers

Denver led by 13 points in the fourth quarter, but saw the Blazers slice into the lead. A Bruce Brown dunk helped spark another run by the Nuggets.

This time, there was no need for any late-game theatrics by Jokic, who hit a last-second, game-winning 3-pointer against Orlando on Sunday.

Lillard had a big first half with 30 points. He’s no stranger to turning in a big half against Denver. He had 32 points in the second half against the Nuggets on December 8.

BUCKS 130, RAPTORS 122

Jrue Holiday scored a season-high 37 points and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Toronto Raptors 130-122 on Tuesday night.

The Bucks, playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the fourth consecutive game, shot 19 for 39 (49%) from 3-point range.

Fred Van Vleet led Toronto with 39 points. Gary Trent Jr. added 28 points and Pascal Siakam had 23.

Play got chippy and action was halted at 6:40 of the fourth quarter with Milwaukee leading 113-110 because of an altercation involving several players neat the Bucks´ basket. Milwaukee´s Brook Lopez was whistled for two technical fouls and ejected. Technicals were also called on Toronto´s O.G. Anunoby and Jamaal Magloire on the play.

Lopez scored 15 of his 19 points in the third quarter before being ejected.

Jrue Holiday (R) scored a season-high 37 points and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Raptors

 76ERS 120, CLIPPERS 110

Joel Embiid scored 41 points and the Philadelphia 76ers recovered after blowing a 14-point, first-half lead to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 120-110 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

Embiid had nine rebounds and made 15 of 18 free throws before leaving the game with 2:53 remaining. Philadelphia fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” as he raised both arms to encourage the cheers.

Tyrese Maxey added 22 points off the bench. Tobias Harris had 20 points as the 76ers closed out a Los Angeles sweep, having edged the Lakers by one point two nights earlier.

After getting outscored 37-27 in the third, the Sixers dominated the fourth. They outscored the Clippers 30-21 in a

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots during game against Los Angeles Clippers