Jokic Leads Nuggets to Nail-Biting 112-109 Win Over Rockets
The Denver Nuggets barely held on to secure a thrilling 112-109 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, and what a game it was. Nikola Jokic was at his masterful best, putting up 34 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. Jamal Murray was right there alongside him with 26 points and 10 assists, helping the Nuggets withstand a late Rockets rally. This win improves Denver’s record to 12-3 overall and 2-1 in NBA Cup Group C, while Houston’s five-game winning streak was snapped as they fell to 10-4 and 1-2 in the group.
It was a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Trailing 92-87 with just nine minutes left, Denver went on a decisive 20-9 run, stretching the lead to six points after Murray hit two clutch free throws with 23 seconds left. Houston wasn’t done yet, though. The Rockets fought back with an 8-3 run, cutting the lead to 110-109 thanks to a deep three from Jabari Smith Jr. with only five seconds remaining. In a tense finish, Jokic calmly sank two free throws with under three seconds left, and Houston’s last-second half-court attempt by Alperen Sengun didn’t fall, sealing the Nuggets’ hard-fought win.
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Nikola Jokic carried the second half on his shoulders, scoring 24 of his 34 points after halftime while shooting an efficient 11 of 20 from the field. Jamal Murray’s performance on both ends of the floor was also critical, distributing the ball and providing clutch scoring when Denver needed it most. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 12 points off the bench, helping the Nuggets shoot an impressive 53 percent overall, even after losing Aaron Gordon early in the first quarter to a hamstring strain. Gordon, who had already missed the previous game, limped to the locker room after a hard fall while driving to the basket, leaving Denver to adjust on the fly.
Houston had their stars shining as well. Reed Sheppard led the way with a career-high 27 points, 20 of which came in the first half, showing incredible shooting efficiency. Amen Thompson contributed 22 points and seven rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Alperen Sengun added 14 points. Kevin Durant chipped in 13 points, but the Rockets just couldn’t overcome Denver’s late-game surge. Houston shot 44 percent overall, a solid effort that came up just short.
With this win, the Nuggets are now tied with the Portland Trail Blazers atop Group C, though Portland holds the head-to-head advantage. Denver will look to maintain momentum when they face the Spurs at home next week, while the Rockets will aim to bounce back in their upcoming matchup against the Warriors. It was a night where Jokic reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dominant players in the league, carrying Denver through a white-knuckle game that will be remembered for its intensity and drama.
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