In a crucial final game of the regular NBA season, the Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. Nikola Jokic, returning from a knee injury, scored 23 points and recorded 8 rebounds in just over 18 minutes of play. This victory allows the Nuggets to host the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the upcoming playoffs. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, who overcame the Utah Jazz 131-107, finished as the fourth seed and will face the fifth-seeded Houston Rockets. The Lakers' LeBron James contributed 18 points, showcasing his skills despite the absence of top scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Spurs, who were resting MVP contender Victor Wembanyama, will host the winner of the in-play tournament between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns in the first round.