Nikola Jokic stars in 22-point Denver Nuggets comeback win over Toronto Raptors in NBA - 'We're not quitters'

Nikola Jokic scored a 35-point triple-double as the Denver Nuggets staged an impressive comeback to beat the Toronto Raptors 125-119.

The defending NBA champions fell 22 points behind as the Raptors started strongly.

But Jokic scored 19 points in the third quarter to trim the lead and the Nuggets outscored Toronto 32-21 in the fourth quarter to win.

"In the first half they scored a lot and we didn't play any defence," said Jokic.

"We just needed to match and exceed their physicality and that's how we turned the game to our advantage.

"We were just fighting. The whole crew showed their character today. We're not quitters."

Jamal Murray added 26 points with 12 assists and five rebounds for the Nuggets while RJ Barrett led Toronto's scoring with 26 points.

The Boston Celtics became the first team to reach 50 wins this season as they won 121-99 at the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and Jayson Tatum 26 as the Eastern Conference leaders overcame the absences of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to win.

“At this point of the season, to have 50 wins, it means we’re doing something right,” said Tatum.

“The scary part is, we can get better.”

The Celtics have already clinched a playoff spot with 18 games of the season remaining.

“All the guys laugh because, around this time of year, I say the same thing - how much of an honour it is to be on this team,” said Brown.

“I’m grateful to be on a team that’s winning, that’s been playing the right way, has another opportunity to do something special. That’s a blessing.”

Kevin Durant finished with 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Phoenix Suns came from 19 points down to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-111.

Devin Booker added 27 points for the Suns while Bradley Beal netted 24.

The Golden State Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs 112-102.

Missing Steph Curry through injury, Jonathan Kuminga led the scoring for the Warriors with 22 points.

Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Luka Doncic claimed his 17th triple-double of the season as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Chicago Bulls 127-92.

Doncic finished the game with 27 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

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