Denver's 28-23 Third Quarter Cuts Houston's Lead to Nine

Through three quarters Monday, Houston leads Denver 77-68, but the Nuggets have grabbed momentum by winning the third 28-23. The Rockets built their cushion with a 32-24 first quarter and a 22-16 second, reaching halftime ahead 54-40. Jamal Murray has 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, while Nikola Jokic has 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for Denver. Kevin Durant leads Houston with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and Tari Eason's plus-18 is the game's best mark. Houston entered at 7-3 and ninth in the power index; Denver was 5-3 and 13th.