NBA:Warriors, Nuggets fight for Western Conference lead

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Reigning NBA champions the Golden State Warriors beat the Indiana Pacers 112-89 at home to maintain top spot in the Western Conference.

Warriors earned their 49th win of the season in their victory over the Pacers at the Oracle Arena.

The Denver Nuggets were close behind the Warriors as they have 48 wins this season, also fighting for the top spot in the conference.

Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins was his team's top scorer against the Pacers, producing 19 points and getting 11 rebounds.

Shooting guard Klay Thompson contributed with 18 points in the win.

Warriors' All-Stars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant also scored 15 points each.

For the Pacers, Tyreke Evans scored 20 points and Thaddeus Young played with 18 points and 7 rebounds.

In another matchup, the Nuggets beat the Washington Wizards 113-108.

Five Nuggets players, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray and Torrey Craig scored 15 points each against the Wizards in Washington.

Wizards guard Bradley Beal scored 25 points and center Thomas Bryant produced 22 points for their team. Wizards forward Bobby Portis tallied 18 points.

- Thursday's results:

Washington Wizards - Denver Nuggets: 108-113

Charlotte Hornets - Minnesota Timberwolves: 113-106

Atlanta Hawks - Utah Jazz: 117-114

Phoenix Suns - Detroit Pistons: 98-118

Sacramento Kings - Dallas Mavericks: 116-100

Golden State Warriors - Indiana Pacers: 112-89