Jokic’s near-triple-double lifts Nuggets past Rockets 112-109 in dramatic NBA Cup showdown
The Denver Nuggets pulled off a gritty 112-109 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night at Toyota Center, snapping Houston’s five-game home winning streak in a nail-biting NBA Cup Group Play Houston, Texas matchup. With just seconds left, Nikola Jokic calmly sank two free throws after a chaotic final minute, sealing the victory as Alperen Sengun’s desperation half-court heave clanged off the rim. Jokic finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists — one shy of a triple-double — while Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists to carry Denver’s offense. The win improved the Nuggets to 12-3 on the season, 6-2 on the road.
From Blowout to Heartbreak: The Rockets’ First-Half Surge
The game looked like it might be a coronation for Houston early. The Rockets exploded for 37 points in the second quarter, turning a 25-12 deficit after the first frame into a 49-46 halftime lead. Reed Sheppard, the 21-year-old rookie, was the surprise engine of that surge, dropping 20 points in the first half on 8-of-11 shooting — including four three-pointers. His poise under pressure stunned even veteran observers. Amen Thompson added 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 21 points and 11 boards. For a team that entered the night as 2.5-point favorites, the Rockets looked like they were cruising toward their sixth straight home win.
The Turnaround: Denver’s Fourth-Quarter Grit
But basketball, as they say, is a game of runs. Down 92-87 with nine minutes left, the Nuggets went silent for a few possessions — then unleashed a 20-9 spurt that flipped the script. Nikola Jokic orchestrated it all: pick-and-rolls that broke Houston’s defense, mid-range jumpers that found nothing but net, and pinpoint passes to open shooters. Jamal Murray capped the run with two clutch free throws with 23 seconds left, pushing Denver ahead 110-103. Houston responded with a thunderous three from Jabari Smith Jr. with five seconds left — cutting the lead to one. That’s when Jokic, cool as ice, stepped to the line again. Two more free throws. 112-109. The arena held its breath. Sengun’s heave? No luck.
Betting Lines vs. Reality: The Underdog That Wasn’t
Before tip-off, Action Network showed Houston as a 2.5-point favorite with a 233.5-point total. Over 55% of bets were on the Rockets. Even Team Rankings projected a 117.8-115.5 Houston win. Reality? The game ended 112-109 — a 221-point total, under the line. The Rockets’ offense, averaging 123.9 points per game, was held 15 points below their season average. Denver’s defense, often criticized for being too passive, tightened when it mattered most. The final box score didn’t reflect the betting hype — it reflected the heart of playoff basketball.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Denver, this win is more than just a win. It’s proof they can win on the road against rising contenders. Their 6-2 away record now looks like a statement — not a fluke. Jokic continues to defy age and logic, playing like a man who’s still chasing his first MVP. Murray, often overshadowed, is playing the best basketball of his career.
For Houston, the loss stings — but it’s not a disaster. Sheppard’s breakout performance signals a new era. Thompson’s athleticism is electrifying. Smith Jr. is becoming a reliable two-way force. They’re young, they’re fast, and they’re learning how to close. Five straight home wins? Snapped. But they’re still 10-4, and the future looks bright.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another NBA Cup game. It was a microcosm of what makes basketball beautiful: the veteran mastermind, the rookie phenom, the last-second drama, the betting lines that got it wrong. The Nuggets didn’t win because they were better all night — they won because they didn’t panic. Houston didn’t lose because they were worse — they lost because they couldn’t hold on when the pressure hit.
As the NBA Cup moves into knockout rounds, this game will be replayed in film rooms. Coaches will study how Denver switched defenses on Sheppard’s drives. Scouts will track Thompson’s footwork. Analysts will debate whether Jokic’s 34-point night proves he’s still the best player on Earth — even at 29.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nikola Jokic perform under pressure in the final minutes?
Jokic delivered when it mattered most, scoring 8 of his 34 points in the final 3:30, including two crucial free throws with 2.8 seconds left to seal the win. He also dished out 9 assists, including the key pass to Murray that set up the go-ahead free throws. His composure in the final seconds contrasted sharply with Houston’s rushed final possession.
Why was Reed Sheppard’s performance so significant?
Sheppard’s 27-point game was a career-high, surpassing his previous best by 11 points. He became the first Rockets rookie to score 20+ in a half since 2018. His 8-for-11 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 from deep showed elite efficiency — and signaled Houston’s potential to develop a new offensive cornerstone outside of their veteran core.
Did the betting odds accurately predict the outcome?
No. Despite 55% of bets favoring Houston and projections of a 117.8-115.5 Rockets win, Denver won 112-109. The total points (221) also fell under the 233.5 line, surprising oddsmakers. The game defied statistical trends — a reminder that basketball isn’t always predictable, especially in high-pressure, early-season matchups.
How did this loss impact Houston’s home court advantage?
The loss snapped Houston’s five-game home winning streak — their longest since 2022. Their home scoring average dropped from 123.9 to 109, and their shooting percentage fell from 48.8% to 44%. The Nuggets’ defensive adjustments, particularly on pick-and-roll coverage, exposed Houston’s lack of late-game execution — a troubling sign as they chase playoff positioning.
What does this win mean for the Nuggets’ NBA Cup chances?
This victory strengthens Denver’s case as a top contender in the NBA Cup. With a 12-3 record and a 6-2 road record, they’ve shown they can win anywhere. Jokic’s leadership and Murray’s resurgence give them two All-Star-caliber players who can carry the load — a rare luxury in a league increasingly dominated by parity. They’re now one of only three teams with 12+ wins and fewer than four losses.
How did Denver’s defense adjust in the second half?
After allowing 49 points in the first half, Denver switched to a more aggressive drop coverage on Sheppard and Smith Jr., forcing them into contested jumpers. They also doubled down on Sengun in the post, limiting his touches in the fourth quarter. The result? Houston scored just 31 points in the final quarter after putting up 37 in the second. The Nuggets’ bench, led by Aaron Gordon, also provided key defensive stops.