Jokic Leads Nuggets Past Rockets 112-109

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HOUSTON — Nikola Jokic delivered a near triple-double performance as the Denver Nuggets held off the Houston Rockets, 112-109, on Friday night. Jokic finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists to help Denver secure the win. Jokic scored 24 of his 34 points in the second half and shot 11-for-20 from the field. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 12 points off the bench as the Nuggets shot 53% overall. Denver improved to 2-1 in NBA Cup play, with one game remaining against the San Antonio Spurs at home on November 28. Houston was led by Reed Sheppard, who scored a career-high 27 points, including 20 in the first half on 8-for-11 shooting, with four of six from three-point range. Amen Thompson added 22 points and seven rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 21 points and 11 rebounds, Alperen Sengun contributed 14 points, and Kevin Durant finished with 13 points. The Rockets shot 44% as their five-game winning streak came to an end, dropping them to 1-2 in NBA Cup play.

The Nuggets trailed 92-87 with nine minutes remaining before going on a 20-9 run. Two free throws by Murray with 23 seconds left gave Denver a six-point lead, but Houston cut it to 110-109 on a Smith three-pointer with five seconds remaining. Jokic then sealed the win with two free throws under three seconds left, while Sengun’s halfcourt attempt at the buzzer fell short. Denver lost Aaron Gordon early in the game after he suffered a right hamstring strain less than four minutes into the first quarter.

Gordon, who had missed the previous game against the Pelicans due to injury, limped to the locker room and did not return.

The Nuggets will host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, while the Rockets begin a four-game road trip at the Phoenix Suns on Monday.