Jokic records a triple-double, Murray scores 35, Durant 25 as Nuggets beat Rockets in overtime for fifth straight win

On December 16th, during the NBA regular season, the Nuggets defeated the Rockets 128-125 in overtime, extending their winning streak to five games. Jokic scored 39 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists; Murray put up 35 points; Sengun also achieved a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists; Durant scored 25 points.

Background Introduction

Currently, both the Nuggets and Rockets rank among the top teams in the Western Conference, naturally drawing significant attention to their contests. Notably, the NBA officially updated the latest team power rankings today, placing the Nuggets at second and the Rockets at third. On November 22nd, the two teams faced off once before, with the Nuggets narrowly winning by 3 points. In that game, Durant struggled, shooting 5 of 15 and scoring only 13 points with 8 rebounds and 2 assists; meanwhile, Jokic nearly had a triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists on 11 of 20 shooting.

Game Progress

At the start of the first quarter, Sengun was on fire, hitting 4 of 5 shots to help the Rockets go on a scoring run, forcing the Nuggets to call a timeout. After the break, led by Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets fought back hard, but Durant once again demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s most dominant scorers, scoring consecutively through three-pointers, free throws, and his signature jump shots, helping the Rockets finish the first quarter with a 6-point lead. Both Durant and Sengun scored 10 points in the opening quarter. In the second quarter, the Nuggets’ second unit showed their strength, with Valanciunas and Haddadi leading the charge and continuously scoring. When Valanciunas hit a fadeaway jumper, the Nuggets took a 1-point lead. The Rockets tried to stabilize the game behind Sengun, but Jokic scored 7 straight points to give the Nuggets a 7-point lead at halftime. At the half, Jokic had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists; Murray had 13 points; Watson left due to injury; Durant and Sengun both had 14 points.

After the break, Okogie led the Rockets’ offense, sparking a scoring run that flipped the momentum, and when Thompson dunked, the Rockets took a 2-point lead. Murray, Haddadi, and Jokic hit consecutive three-pointers, while Durant helped the Rockets maintain control. By the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets led by 3 points. In the final quarter, both teams exchanged baskets; when Sengun made 2 free throws, the score was tied at 102-102. Jokic helped the Nuggets build a 5-point advantage, but the Rockets responded to tie the game again. Near the end, both teams exchanged shots from beyond the arc, with Durant hitting a three-pointer to tie the game at 115-115. In the final seconds, Murray made 1 of 2 free throws, Sengun hit a jump shot. With 2.3 seconds left, the Nuggets trailed 116-117 but had possession. Thompson was called for a foul on Haddadi, and the Rockets’ challenge failed. Murray’s free throw tied the game, and Jokic’s subsequent three-point attempt missed, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Murray quickly scored 4 points, Jones followed with a three-pointer, and the Nuggets went on a 7-0 run. The Rockets fought back hard, but after Jokic fouled out with six personal fouls, the Nuggets still managed to hold on and secure the win.

Starting Lineups

Nuggets: Jokic, Murray, Johnson, Watson, Jones

Rockets: Durant, Sengun, Smith, Thompson, Okogie