The Denver Nuggets got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic with 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists from Jokmar, and the Nuggets defeated the Rockets 128-125 in overtime.
Jokic fouled out in overtime, so Jamal Murray and the Jokic-less Nuggets ended the game. That’s what they do.
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Alperen Sengun missed a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime, but the Nuggets held on for the win. Murray ended up with 35 points.
Here are some of the other standout things in the game.
Excellent performance from the bench in the first half
Jokic and the Nuggets’ starters were a little lethargic in the first quarter, but the Wild bench powered Denver’s offense and defense. An early injury to Peyton Watson (right hip contusion) kept him out of the first half, so Zeke Nnaji took over with the Nuggets’ second unit. He holds his own.
Jonas Valanciunas dominated the paint in the first half, scoring eight points on perfect 4-4 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. is also aggressive and accurate. Hardaway scored 10 points in the first half.
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Overall, the Nuggets were +4 in non-Jokic minutes in the first quarter. They were just +1 in the minutes Jokic played.
Nuggets defense revitalized
Denver’s bench suppressed the Rockets’ offense in the second quarter. In the second quarter, the Nuggets chased the Rockets’ lead to 21 points.
Several missed calls also frustrated the Rockets. This resulted in technical fouls for both coaches Ime Udoka and Alperen Sengun. This gave the Nuggets a double-digit lead in the first half. The Nuggets seized the momentum and led 58-51 at halftime.
Jokic takes over in fourth quarter
Jokic and Alperon Sengon battled for most of the fourth quarter after Valanciunas fouled out around the 9th minute. Both big men hit back-to-back tough shots.
Jokic scored 37 points in the fourth quarter and hit consecutive three-pointers at the end to win the game. His shot bounced off the back iron and we went into overtime.