Epic Clash in Overtime: Nuggets Complete Back-to-Back Wins Over the Rockets to Hold No. 2 in the West as Jokic and Sengun Trade Triple-Doubles

On December 16 (Beijing time), the Houston Rockets visited the Denver Nuggets in a high-intensity NBA regular-season showdown that quickly turned into a full-on battle of momentum and willpower. Denver suffered an early blow when starter Peyton Watson exited with an injury in under six minutes, but the Nuggets never let the disruption break their rhythm.

From the opening tip, both teams traded punches in a relentless tug-of-war, with the score gap rarely leaving single digits. Houston struck first, building an early edge behind strong execution and timely scoring, while Denver responded with steady bursts led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The pace stayed fierce, the possessions were physical, and neither side gave an inch.

Houston closed the first quarter up 30–24, but Denver flipped the script in the second. The Nuggets tightened their defensive coverage, pushed the ball with more purpose, and surged ahead with a decisive run. The Rockets absorbed the swing, but frustration briefly surfaced when Alperen Sengun and head coach Ime Udoka were hit with technical fouls after a no-call sequence. By halftime, Denver had seized control, leading 58–51.

After the break, the game’s offensive level jumped again. Both teams went into attack mode, turning the third quarter into a fast-paced scoring exchange. Houston found its groove and repeatedly answered Denver’s counters, but the Nuggets continued to deliver timely shots. By the end of three, Denver clung to an 89–86 lead, setting the stage for a tense finish.

The fourth quarter delivered exactly that. The score swung back and forth, and the game turned into a sequence of clutch buckets—threes, tough midrange shots, and interior finishes—each one immediately answered at the other end. In the final moments of regulation, Denver had a chance to win it, but Jokic’s potential game-ending three missed, sending the teams into overtime tied 117–117.

In the extra period, Jokic and Sengun elevated the duel even further—both completing triple-doubles as the pressure peaked. Denver briefly created separation with efficient execution and a key three-pointer off a Jokic assist, but Houston kept charging back, refusing to let the Nuggets run away.

Even after Jokic fouled out with six fouls, Denver held firm, protecting a slim lead through the closing possessions. Houston had opportunities to draw level, but couldn’t land the final equalizer. When the horn sounded, the Rockets fell just short in overtime, 125–128.

The win extended Denver’s streak to five straight and helped the Nuggets maintain their grip on second place in the Western Conference.

Jokic delivered a superstar performance with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, adding 2 steals and 2 blocks before fouling out. It was his 12th triple-double of the season—most in the league—and the 176th of his NBA career, placing him third all-time behind Russell Westbrook (207) and Oscar Robertson (181).

Sengun was equally impressive for Houston, posting 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his first triple-double of the season and ninth of his career.

Rockets: Sengun 33/10/10; Durant 25/5/7 with 5 blocks; Smith 16/10; Okogie 16; Amen 14/12/6; Sheppard 14.
Nuggets: Jokic 39/15/10 (6 fouls); Murray 35; Cayo 13; Tim Hardaway Jr. 13; Jones 11.