{"id":691991,"date":"2026-04-01T14:22:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/691991\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:22:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:22:43","slug":"starting-5-april-begins-with-a-historic-west-chase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/691991\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: April begins with a historic West chase"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Welcome to April, and a postseason push unlike any we\u2019ve seen before.<\/p>\n

The West\u2019s top four teams have never all entered April on 3+ game win streaks\u2026 until now:<\/p>\n

Thunder: 3 straight Ws
\nSpurs: 9 straight Ws
\nLakers: 4 straight Ws
\nNuggets: 6 straight Ws<\/p>\n

If the coffee hasn\u2019t kicked in yet, that\u2019s 22 straight wins for the top of the West \u2014 with less than two weeks left in the regular season.<\/p>\n

On the line tonight? The league\u2019s two longest heaters, as the Nuggets face the Jazz (9 ET, League Pass<\/a>), before the Spurs visit the Warriors (10 ET, ESPN<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Scorching West Sprint: Luka\u2019s 42 caps record March, Rockets heat up amid epic Playoff push<\/p>\n

East Answers: Duren dominates in Detroit win, Bane & Magic stave off Booker\u2019s Suns<\/p>\n

Roundup: Hornets hit win No. 40, Holiday & Avdija boost Blazers, Bucks beat Mavs<\/p>\n

ESPN Doubleheader: Familiar East foes collide, Spurs seek 10th straight win at Warriors<\/p>\n

League Pass Spotlight: Denver surges through its gauntlet stretch behind Joki\u0107 & Murray<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

Nine games tip off tonight, headlined by an ESPN doubleheader as the Heat host the Celtics (7:30 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>), before the Spurs visit the Dubs (10 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Postseason Countdown: The SoFi Play-In Tournament is 13 days away. See the current Playoff Picture here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. WILD WEST: LUKA LIFTS STREAKING LAKERS, ROCKETS BEAT KNICKS<\/p>\n

\"Luka<\/p>\n

The West\u2019s top teams are stacking wins at a historic rate \u2013 and the Lakers are right in the thick of it.<\/p>\n

Fueling the fire? Luka Don\u010di\u0107, who ordered April showers to close a record March.<\/p>\n

Lakers 127, Cavaliers 113: Luka splashed six 3s en route to 42 points, 5 boards and 12 dimes<\/a> \u2013 without a turnover \u2013 while Austin Reaves (19 pts) and LeBron James (14 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast) combined for 33, leading Los Angeles past Cleveland for a fourth straight dub. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Flawless 40: Don\u010di\u0107 is just the eighth player \u2013 and first Laker \u2013 to record 40+ points and 10+ assists on zero turnovers since turnovers were first tracked in 1977-78
\nMonstrous March: Luka closed March with seven 40-pieces and 600 points, the highest-scoring month by any Laker since Jerry West in Dec. 1965
\nThe Result? The Lakers finished March 15-2, marking the third time in the last 50 years they\u2019ve won 15+ regular-season games in a calendar month<\/p>\n

\"Austin<\/p>\n

The historic month closed with a milestone night, as Don\u010di\u0107 (27y, 31d) became the third\u2011youngest player to reach 15,000 points, trailing only LeBron (25y, 79d) and Kevin Durant (26y, 78d).<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, James passed Kareem Abdul\u2011Jabbar (1,228) to become the all\u2011time leader in total wins (regular season + postseason).<\/p>\n

Now, Luka & LeBron are powering a surge at the center of an all-time West race.<\/p>\n

\"West<\/p>\n

Special Sprint: The Thunder, Spurs and Lakers closed March with a combined 43-5 record.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the first time since 1970-71 \u2013 when the league split into two conferences \u2013 that the top three teams in a conference combined for five or fewer losses in March (excluding 2020).<\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s Denver, riding a six-game heater.<\/p>\n

Together, those top four teams have combined for 22 straight wins \u2013 and now, the Rockets are also streaking\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Alperen<\/p>\n

Rockets 111, Knicks 94: Kevin Durant (27 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast) sparked Houston with a personal 10-0 run in the 1st quarter as the Rockets took a 20-5 lead and never looked back, dishing out a season-high 35 assists to race past the Knicks for their third straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Stars Clicking: Durant, Amen Thompson (17 pts, 8 ast) and Alperen Sengun (13 pts, 10 ast) combined for 26 dimes \u2013 their most as a trio
\nAll Cylinders: Reed Sheppard (20 pts) and Jabari Smith Jr. (15 pts) added 35 points, as six Rockets scored 13+, while their defense held New York to 44 points in the 2nd half
\n\u201cThat\u2019s a Playoff-type team,\u201d said Durant postgame. \u201cThey play with a ton of physicality, and we matched it.\u201d
\nKeeping Pace: The win moves Houston to 46-29, tied with Minnesota for the 5th-best record in the West
\nEast Race: Karl-Anthony Towns (22 pts, 8 reb) led New York, which remains a game up on Cleveland for 3rd in the East<\/p>\n

2. EAST ANSWERS: DUREN FUELS DETROIT, ORLANDO EDGES PHOENIX<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

For the first time in 18 seasons, the Central Division belongs to the Pistons.<\/p>\n

Pistons 127, Raptors 116: After missing Monday\u2019s OT loss to OKC, Jalen Duren returned with a bang<\/a> (31 pts, 9 reb, 12-13 FG), while Daniss Jenkins also delivered (21 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast), powering Detroit past Toronto for a bounce-back win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Holding It Down: Since Cade Cunningham (lung) exited early on March 17 vs. Washington, Detroit is 7-2 (including that game)
\nJD Feasting: In that span, Duren is averaging 25 points and 10.6 boards on 70% shooting<\/p>\n

\"Desmond<\/p>\n

Magic 115, Suns 111: After trailing 70-56 at the half, Devin Booker (34 pts, 7 ast) willed the Suns back, but the Magic responded behind Desmond Bane (21 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast), who netted a pair of key buckets in clutch time, capped by a dagger floater with 6.7 ticks left. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Magic Rebound: After a six-game slide, Orlando has won two of its last three, moving a game back of Philly for 7th
\nLakers & Nuggets Clinch: With the Suns\u2019 loss, the Lakers and Nuggets each secured Playoff spots<\/p>\n

3. ROUNDUP: HORNETS & BLAZERS ROLL, BUCKS WIN<\/p>\n

\"Brandon<\/p>\n

The Hornets have 40 wins for the first time in four years \u2013 and they\u2019re not done.<\/p>\n

Hornets 117, Nets 86: Brandon Miller dropped 25, while LaMelo Ball stuffed the stat sheet (14 pts, 7 reb, 9 ast), as the Hornets earned a near wire-to-wire win to move to 40-36 \u2013 tied with Miami for 9th in the East. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Still Buzzing: The win ends a two-game slide for Charlotte, which went 10-5 in March and is 1.5 GB of 7th-place Philly<\/p>\n

Blazers 114, Clippers 104: Jrue Holiday was feeling it from deep (30 pts, 7 3s), while Deni Avdija was clinical (28 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast), propelling Portland past Kawhi Leonard (23 pts, 8 reb) and the Clips to snap LA\u2019s five-game win streak. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Blazing: Portland is 8-3 in its last 11, moving a half-game back of LA for 8th in the West<\/p>\n

Bucks 123, Mavericks 99: Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points and 10 boards, but Milwaukee was in full control for the final three quarters, as Ryan Rollins (24 pts, 7 reb, 9 ast) led seven double-digit scorers to halt a four-game slide. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Sibling History: Alex Antetokounmpo logged his first NBA minutes for Milwaukee, making the Antetokounmpo brothers the first sibling trio to play on the same active roster
\nMoments Later? His first points \u2013 and a game ball from Giannis<\/a><\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

4. ON ESPN: STREAKING SPURS VISIT WARRIORS, HEAT & CELTICS COLLIDE<\/p>\n

\"Draymond<\/p>\n

Dec. 13, 2023: Victor Wembanyama had just posted 30 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocks in a 122-119 loss to the Lakers.<\/p>\n

It was the Spurs\u2019 18th straight defeat, marking the longest losing streak in franchise history.<\/p>\n

But Wembanyama saw the bigger picture.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to look better when we win,\u201d said Wemby postgame. \u201cI\u2019m trying to do everything I can for the team\u2026
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a work in progress. We\u2019re nowhere near, but on the right path for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight on ESPN (10 ET), the 2nd-place Spurs \u2013 now 57-18 and 2.5 GB of 1st-place OKC \u2013 go for their 10th straight win as they visit the Warriors.<\/p>\n

A victory would be their 26th in 28 games.<\/p>\n

Marching Up: After an 11-0 February, San Antonio went 14-2 in March, finishing 2nd in scoring (123.4 ppg), 1st in assists (31.2 apg) and 3rd in DefRtg (109.1) in that month
\nWemby Dominance: That includes a 14-1 mark with Wemby in the lineup, where he\u2019s averaged 26.8 pts, 12.0 reb, 3.7 blk, resulting in a March-best +15.9 point differential
\nDream Company: Only one other player in the last 40 years has hit those averages in a calendar month (min. 15 GP): Hakeem Olajuwon in Jan. 1993
\nThe Result? Wemby hasn\u2019t lost a game since March 1 \u2013 his only defeat since January. And he\u2019s still hungry
\n\u201cThere\u2019s growth,\u201d said Wemby after the Spurs hit win No. 50 two weeks ago. \u201cBut there\u2019s still not enough. I want to get at least 60 to balance out my rookie season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, the tests get tougher. Six of the Spurs\u2019 final seven regular-season games come against postseason teams, starting tonight vs. Golden State \u2013 one of three West teams with multiple wins over San Antonio this season.<\/p>\n

\"Tyler<\/p>\n

Since 2019-20, no two teams have met more times in the regular season and Playoffs than the Celtics and Heat (48).<\/p>\n

Their last matchup? A 22-point C\u2019s rally at TD Garden on Feb. 6 \u2013 their largest comeback of the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt like a Playoff-type atmosphere,\u201d said Jaylen Brown on the win. \u201cWe just gotta keep it up and find ways to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Boston has. It is 30-13 in 2026 and is 4.5 GB of Detroit for No. 1 in the East.<\/p>\n

Miami, meanwhile, is right in the thick of it.<\/p>\n

After a 1-7 slide, the Heat answered Monday, using a 16-2 closing run to beat Philly. The win pulled them within 1.5 games of the Sixers for 7th and three of Atlanta (6th) for the final guaranteed Playoff spot.<\/p>\n

Sparking The Run? Tyler Herro, who scored 12 in the 4th for back-to-back 30 pieces \u2013 setting the tone for a team that\u2019s made noise in April before
\n\u201cBacks against the wall \u2026 that\u2019s Miami Heat basketball right there,\u201d said Herro on the rally. \u201cThis time of year, anything can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. ON LEAGUE PASS: JOKI\u0106 & MURRAY LEAD STREAKING NUGGETS VS. JAZZ<\/p>\n

\"Nuggets<\/p>\n

On March 1, the Nuggets were staring at a gauntlet \u2013 the league\u2019s toughest remaining schedule<\/a> by opponent win percentage (.543), packed with Playoff-caliber opponents amid an airtight West race.<\/p>\n

Yet instead of slipping, Denver is surging \u2013 leveling up in a West race that won\u2019t let up.<\/p>\n

Tonight on League Pass (9 ET), the Nuggets seek a 7th straight win as they visit the Jazz, with Denver two games back of the 3rd-place Lakers.<\/p>\n

Leading the charge? Nikola Joki\u0107 and Jamal Murray.<\/p>\n

Answering The Call: Joki\u0107 is averaging an absurd 24.7 points, 15 boards and 13.2 assists amid the win streak, while Murray has been red-hot, too \u2013 posting 29.7 points and 7.3 dimes while shooting 48.1% from 3
\nAnytime Delivery: Each can over any night, with Joki\u0107 pacing the league with 31 triple-doubles, while Murray has notched a career-best 22 30-pieces this season \u2013 double his previous career-high<\/p>\n

\"Jamal<\/p>\n

Built For This: That firepower \u2013 from two former champions and decade-long teammates \u2013 has powered Denver through the wild West, meeting every test with the steadiness of a duo that\u2019s been here before.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose two guys, all the battles they\u2019ve been through \u2026 they really are the history book of this franchise,\u201d said Nuggets coach David Adelman on Joki\u0107 & Murray.
\n\u201cThe longevity together and all these wars they\u2019ve been through in a basketball sense \u2026 they\u2019re just super special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Six more games tip off on League Pass, including the Hawks seeking their 17th win in 19 games as they host the Magic (7 ET), while the Sixers look to get back on track as they visit the Wizards (7 ET).<\/p>\n

Knicks at Grizzlies (8 ET)
\nKings at Raptors (8 ET)
\nPacers at Bulls (8 ET)
\nBucks at Rockets (8 ET)<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a0 Welcome to April, and a postseason push unlike any we\u2019ve seen before. The West\u2019s top four teams…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":691992,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3781],"tags":[7,301,187,3943,6,302,87317],"class_list":{"0":"post-691991","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-denver-nuggets","8":"tag-basketball","9":"tag-denver","10":"tag-denver-nuggets","11":"tag-denvernuggets","12":"tag-nba","13":"tag-nuggets","14":"tag-starting-5-nba"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116329906130318994","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/691991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=691991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/691991\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/691992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=691991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=691991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=691991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}