Nikola Jokić Returns From Injury
After missing 16 games with a left knee bone bruise suffered on Dec. 29, three-time MVP Nikola Jokić returned to the Denver Nuggets’ lineup on January 30 and immediately made an impact.
In his first game back, Jokic scored 31 points with 12 rebounds and 5 assists in just 25 minutes to lead the Nuggets to a 122–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, snapping LAC’s three-game win streak. He shot efficiently (8-for-11) and showed no rust from the 3-time MVP despite the month off.
This performance not only boosted Denver’s momentum but keeps Jokic within range of playing the minimum number of games needed to remain eligible for major awards such as MVP, All-NBA Selections.
Paul George Suspended
In major league news, Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George was suspended for 25 games by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
The suspension is expected to keep PG out until late March and comes as a significant blow to the 76ers during a crucial playoff push, forcing the team to rely more on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey with George unavailable.
Giannis may be on the move
- Adding to a underwhelming season from Milwaukee, the Bucks Franchise SuperStar wants out. But, the question is when?
- There a couple diffferent teams at the trade table for Giannis. Including, New York, Houston, Golden State and San Antonio. Each team is reported to be offering All-Star and All-NBA talent. In addition to various first-round picks for Giannis. The Question is will Milwaukee trade him at the deadline, or wait until the off-season.
War-on-the-Clock Major Injury Updates
- Aaron Gordon (Nuggets) — Reinjured his hamstring and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month, further testing Denver’s depth despite Jokic’s return.
- Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors) — Out with a left knee bone bruise and pending re-evaluation.
Notable Games & Scores (Jan 25–31)
Denver Nuggets 122 — Los Angeles Clippers 109
- Jokic: 31 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast in return to action.
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: 22 points; Jamal Muray: 20 points.
Brooklyn Nets 109 — Utah Jazz 99
- Egor Demin led Brooklyn with 25 points and 10 rebounds to end a seven-game slide
Dallas’s Star Rookie Cooper Flagg’s Historic 49‑Point Game
Hornets 123 — Mavericks 121
Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History: In a January 29 thriller against the Charlotte Hornets, 19‑year‑old Cooper Flagg scored 49 points, the most ever by a teenager in NBA history. Flagging his own Mavericks rookie scoring record with 20‑of‑29 shooting, 10 rebounds, and timely 3‑point shooting, Flagg’s night was one for the record books. Even with Dallas falling short in a 123‑121 loss.
Even though Dallas lost by two points, Flagg’s performance stole the show and immediately became one of the most talked about performances from the rising superstar.
Other Midweek and Weekend Performances
While full schedules vary daily, these were among the standout results and storylines from the past week:
- Denver held its ground in the Western Conference with Jokic’s return.
- Defensive and injury narratives continued across the league, especially in Golden State and Philadelphia.
- Other teams like Boston leveraged balanced scoring to secure decisive wins.
Standout Weekly Performers
Here are some players who stood out over the past seven days:
- Copper Flagg (DAL): Historic 49 point performance. Most for a rookie.
- Nikola Jokić (DEN): Huge 31-point, 12-rebound return to action.
- Egor Demin (BKN): Strong 25-point double-double snapping a skid.
- Payton Pritchard (BOS): 29 points in Boston win.
- Jamal Murray (DEN): Continued productive scoring during Jokic’s absence & return week.
What’s Next: Games & Storylines (Feb 1–7, 2026)
Trade Deadline Drama
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5, and with Paul George’s suspension and several teams jockeying for seeding, expect a flurry of moves and rumors this upcoming week. Especially, news of Giannis being potentially traded at the end of the week.
Nuggets Continue Push
With Jokic back and playing limited minutes, Denver’s schedule includes key matchups including games against the Thunder (Feb 1), Pistons (Feb 3), Knicks (Feb 4), and Bulls (Feb 7).
Award Races & All-Star Buzz
As players return from injury and continue strong play, All-Star voting has wrapped up and MVP narratives will continue.
Weekly Takeaway
This past week’s biggest storyline was unquestionably where Giannis will go and Nikola Jokić’s return to the Denver Nuggets and the immediate impact he made, showcasing MVP-level production right out of the gate. Coupled with the shock of Paul George’s lengthy suspension and injuries around the league, this week set up plenty of intrigue as we enter February, a crucial stretch that includes the trade deadline and late-season seeding battles.
