Nikola Jokic powers Denver Nuggets back to top seed, injured Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss three Milwaukee Bucks games

Nikola Jokic scored 41 points as the Denver Nuggets took sole top spot in NBA’s Western Conference by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Milwaukee Bucks announced that star man Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the rest of the regular season.

Jokic also chipped in with 11 rebounds and 7 assists in a 116-107 victory against the best defence in the competition, leaving the reigning champions in good shape to finish as top seeds going into the playoffs.

The Nuggets have a one game lead over the second-placed Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were 127-89 winners over the San Antonio Spurs, with two games left of the regular season.

Jokic also outlined his credentials to be named Most Valuable Player for a third season, but said there are other contenders who are challenging for that honour.

“I think I’m playing good basketball,” said the 29-year-old.

“The team is playing good basketball. I think there are a lot of guys playing really good basketball in the league and a couple of guys deserve to have that award.”

The Milwaukee Bucks confirmed that Antetokounmpo will miss the final three games of the regular season because of a calf injury.

The two-time MVP, who came off in the third quarter of Tuesday's win over the Boston Celtics, will receive "daily treatment and evaluation" in a bid to recover for the playoffs.

On the court, the Bucks recorded a 117-99 victory over Orlando Magic, who are tied for fifth.

Kyrie Irving bagged himself a $1 million contract bonus as the Dallas Mavericks won their 50th game of the campaign, with the player himself featuring in at least 58 games.

His side won the Southwest Division title with a 111-92 victory over last year’s runners-up, the Miami Heat, who are now out of contention to claim a top six seeding in the Eastern Conference.

Luka Doncic fell just short of a triple double, scoring 29 points and registering 9 assists and rebounds.

“It’s a total organisational effort, top to bottom,” said Irving, with the Mavericks fifth in the Western Conference.

“We just know that the job isn’t finished and we’re just getting started. But we do have to celebrate the small wins.

“Tonight was a step in that direction. Some guys in that locker room haven’t experienced 50 wins.”

Devin Booker scored 37 points and Kevin Durant chipped in with 24 as the Phoenix Suns maintained their push for a top six finish, beating the LA Clippers 124-108, despite Nah’Shon Hyland’s 37 points.

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