Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Milwaukee BucksOpen full analysis
Denver edged Milwaukee 102–100 on January 23 at Fiserv Forum in a defensive grind that fell well short of the 213.5-point Vegas total. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 22 points, while Royce Rollins added 21, but Milwaukee's 40.0 field-goal percentage and 21-point third quarter proved insufficient. The Nuggets countered with balanced scoring from Jalen Strawther (20 points) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (17 points), backed by 27 assists and a third-quarter surge of 30 points that proved decisive. Both teams made 12 three-pointers, but Denver's 402 field-goal percentage and superior ball security—committing just seven turnovers to Milwaukee's ten—provided the margin. The Bucks dominated the glass with 51 rebounds and held a slight 104.3 offensive rating, yet Denver's defensive pressure (104.3 defensive rating) and execution in transition secured the road victory. This low-scoring affair underscores Denver's continued ability to win tight contests, bolstering their playoff positioning.
