Klay Thompson made a strong return from a knee injury, scoring 39 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 122-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in a key Western Conference matchup.
The Warriors sought redemption after a 128-95 home loss to the Boston Celtics earlier in the week, with Thompson delivering a standout performance. He scored 27 points in the first half, hitting nine three-pointers, and emphasized his readiness to contribute fully.
"I let the game come to me," Thompson said. "It feels like eternity since I took two games off." He also highlighted the importance of entertaining fans, noting the team's focus on securing a playoff spot and pursuing a third consecutive championship.
Kevin Durant added 26 points and six assists, while Stephen Curry scored 17 points. DeMarcus Cousins contributed 13 points and six blocked shots for the defending champions.
Malik Beasley scored 17 points for the Nuggets, who extended their losing streak to four of five games after a recent five-game winning run.
In other NBA action, James Harden recorded 31 points and 10 rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 107-91. The Rockets built a 22-point lead by the third quarter, with Harden recovering from a first-half collision to maintain control.
Philadelphia's Joel Embiid missed the game due to a knee injury, limiting the 76ers' offensive output. Tobias Harris scored 22 points in the loss, which marked their second straight defeat.
The Toronto Raptors also secured a decisive victory, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 31 points and Kyle Lowry recording a triple-double in a 127-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans were without three starters, including Anthony Davis, who sat out with a back injury.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat staged a fourth-quarter rally to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-110, and the Los Angeles Clippers edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-110 behind Lou Williams' 40-point performance.
Oklahoma City's Paul George criticized officials after the game, alleging inconsistent officiating. "We haven't gotten a fair whistle all year," he said, citing physical contact without calls.
