Washington WizardsOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Washington Wizards 121–115 on January 17 at Ball Arena, with Jamal Murray's 42 points leading a balanced offensive attack that shot 52.9 percent from the field and made 14 three-pointers. Tobias Hardaway Jr. added 30 points for Denver, which finished with 31 assists and a 117.3 offensive rating despite 12 turnovers. Washington's Kristaps Porzingis scored 29 points in a losing effort, but the Wizards' 45.8 field-goal percentage and 11 three-pointers proved insufficient against Denver's efficiency; Washington also out-rebounded the hosts 48–38 and forced seven steals. The decisive fourth quarter belonged to Denver, which scored 38 points compared to Washington's 29, pulling away when it mattered most. The game finished below the Vegas total of 227.5, suggesting a defensive tightening late. Denver's balanced scoring depth and fourth-quarter execution position them well in the Western Conference standings.
