Nuggets on a 9-Game Win Streak — Jump Lakers for 3 Seed Behind Jokic Triple-Double Machine

The Denver Nuggets are the hottest team in basketball. Nine straight wins — a season high — and they just leapfrogged the banged-up Lakers for the 3 seed in the West.

The latest win was vintage Jokic. Down 16 in the fourth quarter against the Blazers, Denver scored 38 points in the period and then outscored Portland 12-7 in overtime for a 137-132 victory. Jokic finished with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists — his 33rd triple-double of the season. Jamal Murray scored 7 of his 20 points in OT to seal it.

At 51-28, the Nuggets sit a half-game ahead of the Lakers (50-28), who are crumbling without Luka and Reaves. Denver's timing couldn't be better. They're peaking right when it matters, and the Lakers — relying on a 41-year-old LeBron and role players — are sliding in the opposite direction. The West playoff bracket is about to get very interesting.