The Denver Nuggets kept their NBA Cup ambitions firmly alive on Friday night after grinding out a hard-fought 112–109 victory over the Houston Rockets, a result that strengthened their position in the tournament’s group stage and reinforced their status as one of the league’s most resilient contenders.
Denver entered the matchup under pressure, knowing a loss would complicate their path to the knockout rounds. Instead, they delivered one of their most disciplined defensive performances of the season. While the Nuggets are often praised for their offensive firepower, it was their ability to clamp down in key moments combined with the calm leadership of their veteran core that ultimately sealed the win.
Nikola Jokić once again set the tone, finishing just shy of a triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. His composure in the fourth quarter proved decisive, especially as Houston surged late behind its young backcourt. The Rockets, known for their explosive pace and aggressive rim attacks, repeatedly tried to push Denver into uncomfortable situations, but Jokić’s orchestration and the Nuggets’ poise prevented the game from slipping away.
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Jamal Murray added timely scoring, knocking down a pair of crucial mid-range jumpers in the final two minutes to halt a Houston run. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon anchored Denver’s interior defense, contesting shots and making several hustle plays that helped swing momentum back in the Nuggets’ favor.
For Denver head coach Michael Malone, the victory reflected the team’s experience and attention to detail. “This is the kind of game the NBA Cup demands physical, intense, and smart,” Malone said post-game. “Our guys showed how much they want to keep advancing.”
Houston, despite the loss, demonstrated its growing maturity. Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün combined for 51 points, pushing Denver to the limit with a spirited second-half rally. Yet their late-game execution faltered against Denver’s veteran discipline, highlighting the developmental gap between the teams.
The win elevates Denver’s chances of emerging from the group stage, with only one more key matchup remaining before knockout positions are finalized. As the NBA Cup continues to gain significance and teams adjust to the tournament’s intensity, the Nuggets’ blend of experience, defensive grit, and late-game clarity could prove invaluable.
For now, Denver’s message is simple: they’re not just competing in the NBA Cup they’re aiming to win it.