Nikola Jokic delivered another dominant performance Monday night, recording 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Houston Rockets 128-125 in overtime at Ball Arena. The triple-double was Jokic’s NBA-leading 12th of the season.
Jamal Murray added 35 points, continuing Denver’s late-game execution with six of the team’s 11 overtime points. The guard was efficient at the line, converting 14 of 15 free throws in a tightly contested matchup.
The victory marked Denver’s fifth straight win and its first home victory since Nov. 8. The Nuggets improved their standing near the top of the Western Conference despite playing shorthanded.
Regulation featured a dramatic closing stretch with four ties and four lead changes in the final 1:40. Murray tied the game at 117 with 2.3 seconds left after an away-from-play foul, though Jokic’s potential game-winning three was off target.
Denver seized momentum in overtime, building a 124-117 lead on a Spencer Jones three-pointer with 2:59 remaining. Houston responded with a late push but could not convert its final opportunity.
Alperen Sengun missed a contested 24-foot three with 4.9 seconds left, allowing Denver to secure the win. The Nuggets closed the night by making timely free throws and defensive stops.
Jokic shot 13 of 27 from the field and added five three-pointers, anchoring Denver’s offense throughout the game. Murray complemented him by attacking off the dribble and forcing fouls in key moments.
Houston was led by Sengun, who finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season. Kevin Durant added 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and five blocks in a strong two-way effort.
The Rockets shot 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range but struggled to close in overtime. Houston has now dropped three straight road games and fell to 10-17.
Denver played without starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, while Peyton Watson exited six minutes into the first quarter with a right trunk contusion. Despite the absences, the Nuggets relied on depth contributions from Spencer Jones, Cameron Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Denver finished the night shooting 51 percent overall and 44 percent from beyond the arc. The Nuggets also held a narrow edge in free-throw efficiency, which proved decisive in overtime.
The Rockets travel to New Orleans on Thursday to face the Pelicans. Denver returns to Ball Arena on Thursday night to host the Orlando Magic.
