WASHINGTON (AFP) — Nikola Jokic dominated rookie Victor Wembanyama in a big-man battle as National Basketball Association champion Denver defeated San Antonio while Zion Williamson powered New Orleans over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic scored 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting while Jamal Murray added 15 points and 10 rebounds in Denver's 117-106 victory over the Spurs at Austin, Texas.

The Nuggets stretched their win streak to five games and seized sole possession of the Western Conference lead at 47-20, a half-game ahead of Oklahoma City with the second-best record in the NBA behind Boston (52-14).

"Holding onto first place is a big deal for us," said reserve Christian Braun, who replaced Jokic in the final minutes.

"We've been on a roll. Our starters have been doing a really good job, playing really well since the All-Star break. That's what we've got to do. I'm here to give Jokic and Jamal a rest."

French 20-year-old rookie Wembanyama had 17 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the floor, going 1-of-5 from 3-point range, and added nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks for the Spurs, the West doormat at 14-53.

At New Orleans, Williamson scored 34 points to lead the Pelicans over the Clippers 112-104.

The 23-year-old US power forward hit 14-of-21 shots from the floor and added seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and a blocked shot for the Pelicans, who improved to 40-26 while the Clippers, without James Harden due to a shoulder injury, slid to 42-24.