The Denver Nuggets managed to edge out the Charlotte Hornets with a narrow 107-104 victory on February 1, 2025, showcasing yet another remarkable performance from Nikola Jokic, who secured his 22nd triple-double of the season with 28 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds. The game took place at the Spectrum Center, with both teams vying for momentum.
Despite the Nuggets being on the road and coming off another game just 24 hours earlier, they managed to pull off the win against the Hornets, whose recent struggles continued with this being their fourth consecutive loss. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray also contributed significantly to the win, scoring 20 points, alongside Christian Braun, who added 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The night wasn’t without its challenges for the Nuggets, as they lost Russell Westbrook to injury and struggled with their three-point shooting, finishing at just 7-for-37 from beyond the arc. This dismal statistic allowed the Hornets to remain competitive, with Miles Bridges leading the way for Charlotte with 24 points and 12 rebounds. "That team never quit. They kept on coming at us," Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said, praising his opponents’ resilient performance.
The game had its share of drama, especially late in the fourth quarter when the Hornets took their first lead at 104-100 with 51 seconds remaining, thanks to two consecutive baskets from Bridges. This late-game surge seemed to put Charlotte on the brink of snapping their losing streak. But the Nuggets weren’t ready to back down. With just under 45 seconds left, Jokic made his mark by scoring five points, propelling Denver back on top.
Jokic's free throws after being fouled gave the Nuggets the lead back, which was followed by Murray's basket, pushing the score to 107-104. Even as the clock wound down, the Hornets had one last chance to tie the game. Nick Smith Jr. attempted to shoot from beyond the arc, but Murray pressured him effectively, preventing the shot from landing as time expired.
The Nuggets faced additional hurdles throughout the matchup, especially with the absence of LaMelo Ball, who sat out due to a sprained left ankle. Further complically the Hornets' nights, guard Vasilije Micic suffered a non-contact ankle injury early in the second half, forcing him to exit the game and leaving Charlotte shorthanded.
Coaches often speak about their team’s reserve strength, and the Nuggets were tested on this front. Denver had to adapt their strategy, as Malone’s rotations were influenced by the missing players. After being benched just prior, Braun stepped up as he was thrust back to the starting lineup and played 38 minutes. Malone commented, "It’s funny. I made the decision going to the Knicks game to take (Braun) out of the starting lineup, and here he is two games later, playing 38 minutes," reflecting the unpredictable nature of the game and his players' adjustments.
The two teams traded leads multiple times, with Denver initially holding strong with as much as a 17-point lead earlier. The Hornets, backed by their home crowd, fought back consistently, highlighting the tenacity present regardless of their circumstances. The Hornets had notable performances from Mark Williams, who contributed 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, helping to keep the score close amid Denver’s offensive bursts.
Despite the loss, Charlotte demonstrated resilience, trying to withstand Denver’s late-game pressure. Nonetheless, the Nuggets executed correctly during the final minutes, which has been characteristic of their play this season. With the help of Jokic’s late-game heroics, coupled with Murray's decisive score, they closed out the match effectively.
Looking forward, both teams have important matchups coming up. The Nuggets are poised to host the New Orleans Pelicans, aiming to build on this win streak, and the Hornets will take on the Washington Wizards as they seek to break their losing streak. The game on Saturday was not just another fixture; it showcased the incredible individual talent of Jokic, the growing potential of Braun, and the fighting spirit of the Hornets, making it a memorable encounter.
Whether Denver can maintain this momentum and Charlotte can regroup from the disappointments of the past few games remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pursuit for position within the playoffs is heating up.