HOUSTON – In a thrilling match on March 23, 2025, the Denver Nuggets overcame the Houston Rockets with a final score of 116-111, ending the Rockets’ impressive nine-game win streak. Jamal Murray led the charge for the Nuggets, scoring a phenomenal 39 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed significantly with 17 points and nine rebounds.
The game, held at Toyota Center, showcased an impressive second half from Denver, particularly in the third quarter, where they outscored the Rockets 39-22. With this victory, the Nuggets improved their record to 45-27, putting them just one game behind Houston in the tightly contested Western Conference standings.
Despite playing without their star center, Nikola Jokic, for the fourth consecutive game, the Nuggets demonstrated resilience and depth, proving that they can succeed even in challenging circumstances. Murray’s early performance set the tone as he netted 12 points in the first quarter and 17 in the third quarter, showcasing a remarkable ability to take control of the game.
“This is a missed opportunity for sure,” said Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who acknowledged the game's impact on the playoff seeding as the teams are scheduled to meet again April 13 for the final matchup of the regular season. Despite strong individual performances from Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, who scored 30 and 17 points respectively, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the Nuggets.
In what was a closely contested first half, the teams entered halftime tied at 57. Each team shot remarkably well, with the Nuggets finishing the half at 51% from the field. However, the tide turned in the second half as Denver’s defense tightened and they capitalized on Houston’s turnovers, converting them into points.
DeAndre Jordan was instrumental in the win, starting in Jokic’s absence and recording a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. His presence in the paint was felt as the Nuggets dominated the boards early on, frustrating the Rockets, who entered the game as the league’s top rebounding team.
“We got dominated in those two areas, rebounding and transition, fast break points,” Udoka said, attributing the Rockets’ struggles to a lack of execution. Although the Rockets managed a late resurgence, cutting Denver’s lead to just four points with under two minutes remaining, Murray’s clutch free throws sealed the game for the Nuggets.
As both teams prepare for their next games, the Nuggets will host the Chicago Bulls on March 24, while the Rockets are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on March 25. With ten games left in the regular season, both teams will need strong performances to solidify their playoff positions.
Overall, Sunday's matchup illustrated the competitive nature of the Western Conference, where playoff seeding is becoming increasingly critical as the season approaches its final stretch. The Nuggets’ victory not only gave them confidence but also demonstrated their capability to pull off significant wins even without their star player on the court.
