Houston’s 14-point halftime lead proved enough to withstand Jamal Murray’s 38-point night on Monday.
Houston built a 54-40 halftime lead and held on for a 110-100 win over Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets won the third quarter 28-23, but Houston answered with a 33-32 edge in the fourth to preserve the victory. Jamal Murray scored 38 for Denver, shooting 14-for-23 from the field and 5-for-8 from three, with 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal and 1 turnover. Nikola Jokic added 25 points on 11-for-21 shooting, plus 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal and 3 turnovers. Kevin Durant led Houston with 23 points, making 6 of 15 shots and all 10 free throws, while adding 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block and 6 turnovers. Alperen Sengun contributed 20 points on 9-for-17 shooting, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 2 turnovers. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 14 on 6-for-13 shooting with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and no turnovers, while Tari Eason chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and a block without a turnover.
Key Performers
Jamal Murray (Denver): 38 PTS, 14-23 FG, 5-8 3PT, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 1 STL, 1 TO Kevin Durant (Houston): 23 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST, 1 BLK, 6-15 FG, 10-10 FT, 6 TO Alperen Sengun (Houston): 20 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 9-17 FG, 2 TO
Standings Impact
Houston improved to 9-3, while Denver fell to 5-5. The Rockets are ranked fifth in the power index; the Nuggets are 15th.
DYMA Insight
Houston’s first-half control made the difference: Denver scored 60 after the break but could not erase the 14-point deficit. Murray’s 38 stood out, but the Rockets had two 20-point scorers and more support from Smith and Eason.