Rockets Push Nuggets to the Limit in a Chaotic Overtime Classic in Denver
This one felt big right from the opening tip, and not just because of the standings. The Houston Rockets walked into Denver knowing they were starting a brutal six-game road trip, and they were immediately tested by a Nuggets team that had something to prove. Denver was sitting near the top of the Western Conference, dealing with a rare home skid, and the building was packed with fans ready to see a response. What followed was one of those games that reminded everyone why NBA nights like this matter.
Houston actually set the tone early, and that caught a lot of people off guard. Denver is usually sharp in first quarters, but it was the Rockets who controlled the pace. Alperen Şengün came out strong, scoring and creating for others, and the ball was moved with purpose. The Nuggets were forced to work for every look, and by the end of the first quarter, Houston had grabbed a small but meaningful lead. It was clear this wasn’t going to be an easy night for the home team.
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The second quarter shifted the momentum. Denver put together a quick run as Houston missed some clean opportunities, and the crowd began to feed off it. Still, the Rockets stayed composed and kept the game close. Emotions started to boil over, physical play was allowed on both ends, and a technical foul added to the tension. By halftime, Denver had edged ahead, but nothing felt settled.
Houston responded the way good teams do. The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle with lead changes almost every few possessions. Kevin Durant looked effortless, drawing contact and scoring from his favorite spots, while Houston got energy plays that swung momentum. Big runs came and went, and it started to feel like neither team was going to blink.
The fourth quarter was pure chaos. Bodies hit the floor, stars lived at the free-throw line, and the scoreboard barely moved without an answer coming right back. Nikola Jokić and Şengün went head-to-head, trading plays and clearly taking the matchup personally. With seconds left, Houston executed perfectly and briefly took the lead, only for a late whistle to send the game to overtime.
In the extra period, Denver’s composure showed. Jokić continued to punish Houston with his scoring and playmaking, even as foul trouble piled up. Jamal Murray stepped up with timely shots, and Denver slowly created just enough separation. Houston fought until the final possession, but the comeback never quite arrived.
The Nuggets escaped with the win, led by a monster triple-double from Jokić and a huge scoring night from Murray. Şengün answered with a triple-double of his own, and Houston left without a victory but with something just as important: proof they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. This road trip may have just started, but the message was already sent.
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