Spurs beat Raptors to extend winning run and close gap on Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs have extended their winning streak to 10 games and closed the gap on Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder with a narrow victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Devin Vassell top-scored with 21 points, while team-mate De’Aaron Fox added 20 in the 110-107 triumph at Scotiabank Arena.

It marks a 10th successive victory for the Texan franchise, a feat they have not achieved since the 2015-16 campaign.

Victor Wembanyama contributed just 12 points but made a decisive impact at the other end of the court.

The French centre produced his fifth block of the night with 44 seconds remaining to deny the hosts.

Gregg Popovich’s side have improved their record to 42-16, placing pressure on the conference frontrunners.

Pistons overtake Thunder for NBA’s best record

Oklahoma City remain top of the West on 45-15 despite falling to a 124-116 defeat by the Detroit Pistons.

The visitors were missing reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a ninth consecutive match due to injury.

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren both posted 29 points for Detroit, who now boast the league’s best record at 43-14.

The result extends the Pistons’ lead at the summit of the Eastern Conference over the Boston Celtics.

Jokic stars for Nuggets as Bucks win

Boston fell to a 103-84 loss against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets.

Serbian star Nikola Jokic dominated for the hosts with a double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds.

Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Bucks edged past the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Greek forward remained sidelined with a calf problem, while the Cavaliers were missing new signing James Harden with a broken thumb.

The Houston Rockets secured their largest win of the season by beating the Sacramento Kings 128-97.

Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors were also victorious, winning 133-112 at the Memphis Grizzlies.