Key Takeaways:
- Jamal Murray recorded 34 points for the Denver Nuggets in Sunday night’s 115-106 victory against the Charlotte Hornets
- Denver extended their franchise-record away winning streak to 10 and now stand at 17-6 for the season
- Charlotte battled injuries to six players, including LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton, but saw rookie Liam McNeeley post a career-best 13 points off the bench
Murray’s Explosive Start Sets the Tone
Jamal Murray spearheaded the Denver Nuggets’ attack with 34 points at the Spectrum Center, notching 23 points in a high-octane opening quarter. Despite his early barrage, Denver trailed 58-57 at the interval, with the Charlotte Hornets showing considerable resilience.
Road trip sweep 🧹#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/fPKBWG6uDm
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 8, 2025
Jokic Influences the Second Half
Nikola Jokic asserted his presence after the break, delivering a well-rounded performance of 28 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. His court vision and versatility shifted the momentum towards the Nuggets. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 14 points off the bench, further consolidating Denver’s position as they enter the best start to a season in their history at 17-6.
Hornets’ Depth Tested Amid Injuries
Charlotte were forced to contend with absences of six players, including primary ball handlers LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton. Despite this, Miles Bridges impressed with 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, though he struggled from long range, missing all six three-point attempts. Rookie Liam McNeeley provided a spark with a career-high 13 points, hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while Brandon Miller supported with 16 points. Charlotte managed to outrebound the Nuggets 47-35, but were unable to convert their hustle into victory.
| Top Performers | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 34 | 3 | 5 |
| Nikola Jokic (DEN) | 28 | 9 | 11 |
| Miles Bridges (CHA) | 24 | 9 | 8 |
| Brandon Miller (CHA) | 16 | 5 | 5 |
| Liam McNeeley (CHA) | 13 | 4 | 2 |
Game Dynamics and What’s Next
The Hornets managed to trim a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to just seven, buoyed by Miller’s three-pointer and subsequent and-one, but could not sustain their momentum down the stretch as Denver protected their lead. The match statistics highlight Charlotte’s edge on the boards, though Denver’s efficiency proved decisive.
Looking ahead, the Denver Nuggets will travel to face the Kings on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are set to host the Bulls on Friday night.
