The Denver Nuggets (36-15) beat the Houston Rockets (29-22) at home 136:122 (35:43, 48:28, 30:24, 23:27) and extended their winning streak to 5 games.
Malik Beasley led the Nuggets with a career-high 35 points (on 12/17 shooting, including 5/9 from three). In addition, he grabbed two boards and handed out three assists.
Nikola Jokic was flirting with a triple-double by scoring 31 points (on 12/15 shooting, including 1/2 from three), 13 rebounds and nine assists, Torrey Craig came off the bench to post a career-high 22 points (on 8/11 shooting) and four boards, Monte Morris managed 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Six Nuggets finished in double digits.
Denver made 14 on 31 three-point attempts.
Jamal Murray was out due to a left ankle sprain, Gary Harris missed the game due to a right adductor strain.
The Nuggets put an end to a nine-game losing stretch against the Rockets.
On the other hand, James Harden was the top scorer for the Rockets with 30 points (on 9/21 shooting, including 7/14 from three). In addition, he grabbed six boards and dished out nine assists. Harden scored scored 30-plus points in 25 consecutive games.
Ex-Nuggets Kenneth Faried added a season-high 23 points (on 9/13 shooting) with six rebounds, Chris Paul posted 20 points and six assists, Eric Gordon contributed 17 points with three assists.
Houston made 16 on 44 three-point attempts.
