The Denver Nuggets secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Houston Rockets, finishing the game with a score of 128-125. Nikola Jokic put on an impressive performance with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking a standout triple-double on what is known as “Jokmas.” However, he fouled out during overtime, leaving Jamal Murray to lead the Nuggets in the closing moments.
Nuggets Show Depth and Resilience
Despite losing Jokic in overtime, the Nuggets managed to maintain their composure. Jamal Murray emerged as a key player, contributing 35 points to help the team secure the win. A crucial moment came when Alperen Sengun of the Rockets missed a potential game-tying three-pointer late in the overtime period.
Key Contributions from the Bench
- The Nuggets bench made a significant impact in the first half.
- Peyton Watson’s early exit due to a hip contusion opened opportunities for Zeke Nnaji.
- Nnaji performed admirably, boosting Denver’s efforts on both offense and defense.
- Jonas Valanciunas was noteworthy, scoring 8 points with four perfect field goals.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. added 10 points, demonstrating aggression and precision.
Overall, the Nuggets bench helped the team achieve a +4 differential during non-Jokic minutes in the first quarter, compared to a +1 differential when Jokic was on the court.
Defensive Dominance
The Nuggets’ defense shone in the second quarter, limiting the Rockets to just 21 points. This standout performance frustrated the Rockets and led to technical fouls for coach Ime Udoka and player Alperen Sengun. As a result, the Nuggets established a solid 58-51 lead at halftime.
Fourth Quarter Action
The fourth quarter featured a captivating duel between Jokic and Sengun, particularly after Valanciunas fouled out. Jokic made an impressive push, scoring 37 points by the end of the quarter. He had a chance to win the game in regulation with a three-pointer, but his shot hit the back iron, pushing the game into overtime.
In summary, the Nuggets showcased their resilience and depth, particularly through the efforts of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, to secure a hard-fought win over the Rockets.
