The Denver Nuggets defeated Kevin Durant and his Phoenix Suns, although Durant rose to the tenth spot on the NBA all-time scoring list.
In order to pass Moses Malone entering the game, the 35-year-old needed 17 points. He ended up scoring 30 points, bringing his career total to 27,423 points.
It was insufficient, though, to prevent his team from losing 119-111.
All five of Denver’s starters scored at least 15 points, but Nikola Jokic stood out with 21 points and 16 assists.
In other action, the Orlando Magic tied the franchise record with nine straight victories by defeating the Washington Wizards 130-125.
Paolo Banchero added 28 points for Orlando, while Franz Wagner, a German forward, scored 31 points.
After Luka Doncic gave birth to a daughter, the Dallas Mavericks were without him as they lost 108-94 at home to the Memphis Grizzlies, who had 30 points from Desmond Bane.
Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, was also not present as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 125-119. In the third quarter, Jayson Tatum was sent off for a second technical foul.
In the other games on Friday, the New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 119-106, while the San Antonio Spurs continued their terrible run of play by losing to the New Orleans Pelicans 121-106 for the 14th time in a row.
Victor Wembanyama, the top draft pick of the Spurs, was sidelined for the first time this season due to a tight right hip.
