Nikola Jokic returned to the starting lineup after missing five games in a row. The Denver Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks (at home) by

DENVER — It was a brushstroke of brilliance on a painting crafted hundreds of times before. Nikola Jokic pump-faked from the top of the key, coaxing Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s right foot a step too high. Two dribbles came to get past Kuzma, and a left-to-right spin to shed him, setting up the threat of a hook.

So, regarding whether Nikola Jokic is playing tonight vs. the Bucks, the Nuggets won't force their top player out there if he isn't 100 percent. However, Denver will Jokic over the season's final nine games if they hope to avoid tumbling in the West playoff picture.

Josh Giddey stuns the Los Angeles Lakers with a buzzer-beater from his own half in a 119-117 victory for the Chicago Bulls.

LeBron James had a buzzer-beating tip-in to cap a 10-point fourth quarter, Luka Doncic scored 34 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 120-119 on Wednesday night

Luka Doncic sends a full-court pass to LeBron James, who drives along the baseline for a jam for the Lakers.

Late Thursday night, Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls blessed us with the best finish to a game in the NBA this season. And the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves on the wrong end of Giddey's heroics.

Nikola Jokić rejected the dribble handoff, spun quickly and blew right by Brook Lopez. The explosive first step, the one that had been missing in the last few weeks, got Jokić into the lane with ease.

LeBron James tipped in the game-winning layup as time expired, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Wednesday. James, who didn't connect on a field goal until the fourth quarter,