DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets demonstrated resilience and skill last night as they defeated the Charlotte Hornets 129-115 at Ball Arena, extending their winning streak to nine games. With Jamal Murray scoring 34 points and Nikola Jokic nearly achieving his 26th triple-double of the season, the Nuggets showcased their prowess on both ends of the court.
Murray's impressive scoring was complemented by Jokic's outstanding performance, where he contributed 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. Lamentably, he fell just short of adding another triple-double to his season tally. Jokic's attempts from beyond the arc were particularly noteworthy; he attempted 14 three-pointers—a new career-high—and successfully made six.
The matchup saw the Nuggets capitalize on their home-court advantage, particularly against the depleted Hornets, who were without star guard LaMelo Ball due to left ankle soreness. Ball had played vigorously just one night earlier, scoring 27 points to help his team snap its three-game losing streak with a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The absence of Ball was palpable for the Hornets, as they struggled offensively to keep pace with the high-flying Nuggets.
Despite being 16.5-point underdogs and facing the altitude challenge, the Hornets tried to put their best foot forward. They managed to stay competitive for much of the game. Mark Williams, who had impressed with his recent performances, sought to lead the Hornets amid the adversity.
Throughout the game, the Nuggets relied heavily on their offensive depth, averaging 128.1 points per game over their winning streak. This high scoring was indicative of their superior offensive rating during the period, making them one of the most challenging opponents to defend against.
The Nuggets built momentum as they rapidly expanded their lead, making it difficult for the Hornets to mount any significant comeback. The home crowd at Ball Arena was electrified, particularly during key moments when Murray and Jokic connected on pivotal plays. Murray's ability to score from mid-range and three-point land consistently forced the Hornets' defense to scramble.
On the other hand, Charlotte struggled to find their rhythm. They entered the game after defeating the Lakers and were hopeful to continue their winning momentum; unfortunately, without their leader, they faced severe difficulties. They shot only 9.6 attempts and converted 3.4 three-pointers, falling short of their usual scoring expectations.
While the Hornets displayed brief flashes of potential, exemplified by their resilience against the Lakers, the transition to facing the Nuggets proved to be overwhelming. Even with Miles Bridges attempting to step up offensively, it was evident the energy and preparation required for back-to-back games had taken its toll.
Defense turned out to be another facet of the game for Denver. The Nuggets were not only efficient offensively but also ensured they disrupted Charlotte's game plan. Allowing the fewest three-point attempts to opposing forwards, the Nuggets' defensive strategy rendered the Hornets' perimeter game almost ineffective.
With this victory, the Nuggets solidified their third spot within the Western Conference and improved their overall record to 36-19. Charlotte’s struggles continued with their record falling to 14-39 as they endured their second loss against Denver this season.
Despite the setback, there were positive notes for the Hornets to reflect upon—primarily their defense, which showed glimpses of improvement. Having previously been dominant defensively, they need to channel this energy moving forward to increase their chances of winning future games.
Looking forward, the Nuggets will need to maintain their high performance as they aim for the playoffs, with Jamal Murray's scoring and Jokic's versatility being pivotal to their success. Meanwhile, Charlotte will need to regroup quickly, as they hope to have LaMelo Ball back on the court soon to provide the offensive spark they desperately need.