Nikola Jokic recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists while Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets edged the Houston Rockets 112-109 on Friday at the Toyota Center. Murray’s late free throws gave Denver a crucial two-point cushion with under three seconds remaining.
Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 27 points for Houston, including 20 in the first half, but the Rockets could not close the gap in the final minutes. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds, Amen Thompson added 22 points and seven boards, and Alperen Sengun had 14 points, but Houston’s 44% shooting was not enough.
Denver trailed 92-87 with nine minutes remaining before a 20-9 run put the Nuggets ahead. Jokic scored 24 points in the second half, keeping Denver in control and hitting two decisive free throws in the final seconds. Sengun’s last-second halfcourt attempt was off, sealing the victory.
Aaron Gordon left the game early with a right hamstring strain after less than four minutes, limiting Denver’s rotation. Despite the setback, Tim Hardaway Jr. added 12 points off the bench, while P.J. Washington scored 24 points to help stabilize the Nuggets’ offense.
The Nuggets improve to 12-3 overall and 2-1 in NBA Cup play, with a matchup against the Kings in Dallas on Saturday. The Rockets fall to 10-4 overall and 1-2 in Cup play, starting a four-game road trip at Phoenix on Monday.
