Key Takeaways:
- Nikola Jokic recorded 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season
- Denver Nuggets edged the Houston Rockets 128-125 in overtime, earning their fifth consecutive victory and their first home win since 8 November
- Alperen Sengun registered 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the campaign
Match Analysis
The Denver Nuggets emerged victorious in a gripping 128-125 overtime contest against the Houston Rockets on Monday night, reinforcing their standing among the West’s elite. The encounter at Ball Arena proved to be a high-scoring affair between two of the Western Conference’s top three teams.
Nikola Jokic was the driving force for the Nuggets, amassing 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists to notch his 12th triple-double of the 2023-24 NBA season – a league-high mark. Jamal Murray played a pivotal supporting role, contributing 35 points and converting 14 out of 15 attempts from the free-throw line, including a crucial six points in overtime.
THE Ws KEEP ROLLING#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/XH5XwQHTCr
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 16, 2025
Late Drama in Regulation and Overtime
The final minute and forty seconds of regulation featured a frenetic sequence with four ties and four lead changes. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Murray’s free throw, awarded following an away-from-play foul on Houston’s Amen Thompson, levelled the score. Denver maintained possession after the shot, but Jokic’s ensuing three-point attempt from the top of the key missed its mark, sending both teams into overtime.
Denver seized a 124-117 advantage when Spencer Jones drilled a three-pointer with 2:59 left in overtime. However, the Rockets rallied to trim the deficit to three and had possession with only 13 seconds on the clock. Alperen Sengun, who was instrumental for Houston throughout, missed a heavily contested 24-foot three-pointer with 4.9 seconds left, ensuring the Nuggets could see out the victory.
Player Performances
Jokic’s triple-double was once again the catalyst for Denver, but Murray’s accuracy from the charity stripe was equally vital. The Nuggets extended their winning streak to five, finally celebrating a home win for the first time since 8 November.
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun delivered an impressive all-round display with 33 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, registering his inaugural triple-double of the season. Kevin Durant added 25 points, along with seven assists, five rebounds, and five blocks as Houston suffered their third straight defeat away from home.
Denver were without two starters – Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) – and experienced further adversity when Peyton Watson was forced off after only six minutes due to a right trunk contusion.
| Team | Points | Top Performer – Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 128 | Nikola Jokic (39) | Jokic (15) | Jokic (10) | Jamal Murray: 35 pts, 14/15 FT |
| Houston Rockets | 125 | Alperen Sengun (33) | Sengun (10) | Sengun (10) | Kevin Durant: 25 pts, 5 blocks |
Looking Ahead
The Rockets will travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, while the Nuggets remain at home to host the Orlando Magic on the same night.
