Key Takeaways:
- Bruce Brown secured the win for Denver with an overtime layup ruled as goaltending by Joel Embiid with 5.3 seconds remaining
- Jalen Pickett paced the Nuggets with 29 points as the team played without its entire usual starting lineup and used only nine players
- Joel Embiid tallied 32 points, marking the fourth time in his last eight games scoring at least 30 for Philadelphia
Intense Overtime Finale in Philadelphia
The Denver Nuggets, severely short-handed and operating without their entire regular starting five, pulled off a dramatic 125-124 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. The contest was decided when Bruce Brown’s driving layup attempt was deemed goaltending by Joel Embiid with 5.3 seconds remaining in the extra period. This late moment proved decisive as Tyrese Maxey’s attempt at a match-winning floater as time expired did not come off for the 76ers.
THAT’S HOW WE DO IT#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/bKJrbxm1WO
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 6, 2026
Standout Performances and Team Depth on Display
Jalen Pickett was instrumental for Denver, posting 29 points to lead the Nuggets, while Brown contributed 19 points, including the crucial final basket. Peyton Watson also made a significant impact, adding 24 points to the visitor’s tally. Despite being without key figures such as Nikola Jokic (out until at least the end of the month due to a hyperextended left knee), Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun, Denver managed the result with just nine available players. None of the regular starting lineup participated, and the team arrived in Philadelphia off the back of a previous night’s defeat at Brooklyn.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
Hunter Tyson provided Denver with a momentum shift in the fourth quarter, converting a four-point play to give his side a 102-100 advantage. Pickett followed by scoring a close-range shot that forced the 76ers into a timeout, capping the pivotal sequence of a 14-0 Denver run. In the late stages of regulation, Brown broke a tie with a three-pointer and briefly stretched the lead by making two out of three free throws after drawing a foul on another long-range attempt. However, a miss on the third free throw allowed Philadelphia to stay close.
The game’s closing moments in regulation were tightly contested: VJ Edgecombe hit a three-pointer to pull Philadelphia within two at 120-118, before Tyrese Maxey tied the match with a driving layup with 49 seconds left, sending the contest into overtime at 120 apiece. Edgecombe, who is enjoying an outstanding rookie season as the No. 3 pick in the draft, gave the 76ers their final lead of overtime with a dunk before Brown’s go-ahead – and ultimately match-winning – attempt.
| Denver Nuggets | Stat Line | Philadelphia 76ers | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Pickett | 29 points | Joel Embiid | 32 points |
| Bruce Brown | 19 points (Winner in OT) | Tyrese Maxey | 28 points |
| Peyton Watson | 24 points | VJ Edgecombe | 17 points |
Looking Ahead
Philadelphia returned to their home court following a 3-2 road swing that included all three victories at the back end of the trip. The Nuggets will next travel to Boston for their Wednesday fixture, while the 76ers are set to host Washington on the same night.
