Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets 115–101 on December 20 at Ball Arena, with Kevin Durant and Rez Sheppard combining for 59 points to power a dominant road victory. Houston's offense proved decisive, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and draining 19 three-pointers while generating 24 assists, significantly outpacing Denver's 21. The Rockets also dominated the glass with 47 rebounds to Denver's 39, controlling both ends of the floor with an offensive rating of 118.4 and defensive rating of 97.9. Denver's Nikola Jokić led the home team with 25 points, and Jamal Murray added 16, but the Nuggets' 40.2 percent shooting and 11 turnovers proved insufficient. Houston's balanced scoring attack and three-point barrage—particularly in the fourth quarter when they outscored Denver 33–35—sealed the outcome well below the Vegas total of 235.5. The loss marks a significant setback for Denver's home record and defensive consistency as the season progresses.
