The Denver Nuggets pulled off a heart-stopping 112-109 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, November 21, 2025, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas — a game that came down to the final seconds and left fans breathless. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, the reigning NBA MVP, delivered a performance for the ages: 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists — just one shy of a triple-double — while Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists to seal the deal. The win snapped the Rockets’ five-game winning streak and improved the Nuggets’ season record to 12-3, while their Emirates NBA Cup record climbed to 2-1 with one group game left. For Houston, 21-year-old Reed Sheppard exploded for a career-high 27 points, but even his dazzling shooting couldn’t overcome Denver’s poise under pressure.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The game wasn’t decided by one star or one quarter — it was a chess match of runs. Early on, Denver went on a 25-2 surge that stunned the home crowd. But Houston responded with grit. Sheppard, who entered the game averaging 11 points per contest, torched the nets in the first half, scoring 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers. He looked like a future All-Star in the making. Meanwhile, Jokić, who had just 10 points at halftime, turned into a force in the second half, dropping 24 points on 11-of-20 shooting. The twist? He didn’t need to score every time. He orchestrated. He found Murray for open threes. He drew double teams and kicked to Tim Hardaway Jr., whose clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter silenced the Toyota Center crowd.
The Final Minutes: A Rollercoaster
With 9 minutes left, the Rockets led 92-87. It felt like Houston’s streak might extend to six. But Denver, calm as ever, began their comeback. Murray and Jokić started connecting — pick-and-roll, post-ups, mid-range jumpers. By the 2:30 mark, Denver was up 103-99. Then Murray drove through traffic, absorbed contact, and finished with a floater — a play that seemed to drain the energy out of Houston’s bench. With 39 seconds left, the Nuggets led by four. The Rockets answered: Jabari Smith Jr. drilled a three-pointer from the corner with 5 seconds left to make it 110-109. The arena erupted. The Nuggets called timeout. The weight of the moment pressed down.
Then came Jokić. He stepped to the line. Two free throws. Cold. Calm. Unshakable. With 2.7 seconds left, Denver led 112-110. Houston’s last hope? A half-court heave from Alperen Şengün. The pass was clean. The shot was high. It kissed the backboard — and bounced off. Silence. Then cheers. The Nuggets had done it again.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just another regular-season win. It was a statement. The Denver Nuggets are 12-3 — one of the best records in the NBA — and they’re doing it without their usual swagger. Jokić is playing like a man who knows the playoffs are coming. Murray is healthy, aggressive, and in rhythm. Hardaway, signed to a $3.6 million one-year deal, has become the perfect veteran glue guy — hitting big shots when it matters most.
For Houston, the loss stings. They’ve been one of the surprise teams of the season, riding the energy of their young core. Sheppard, Amen Thompson (22 points, 7 rebounds), and Smith Jr. (21 points, 11 rebounds) all played like stars. But they’re still learning how to close. The Rockets led by five with under 10 minutes to go — and couldn’t hold it. That’s the difference between a good team and a great one. They’ll get another chance against the Golden State Warriors on November 26, but this loss exposed a critical flaw: when the game tightens, they still look for someone else to make the play. Denver? They know Jokić will make it.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Nuggets’ final Emirates NBA Cup group game is Thursday, November 28, 2025, at Ball Arena against the San Antonio Spurs. A win locks them into the knockout round. A loss? Still likely enough to advance, but they’ll want momentum. Meanwhile, Houston travels to face the Warriors on November 26 — a team that’s been surging since the trade deadline. The Rockets need this win to stay in contention for the Cup’s final four.
Statistically, the numbers tell a clear story: Denver shot 53% from the field. Houston, 44%. Denver had 27 assists. Houston, 21. Denver outscored Houston 34-29 in the third quarter — the turning point. And Jokić? He was on the floor for 37 minutes. He didn’t need 40. He didn’t need 45. He just needed to be there. And when it mattered, he was.
The Bigger Picture: NBA Cup’s Growing Stakes
The Emirates NBA Cup was supposed to be a flashy exhibition. Now, it’s become a legitimate proving ground. Teams are treating it like a playoff preview. Coaches are resting stars less. Fans are tuning in. The Nuggets and Rockets — two franchises with contrasting trajectories — are using it to build identity. For Denver, it’s about maintaining elite status. For Houston, it’s about proving they’re not just a young team with potential — but a team that can win when the lights are brightest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nikola Jokić manage to stay effective despite Houston’s defensive focus?
Jokić didn’t rely on isolation. He used screens, moved without the ball, and exploited double teams with pinpoint passes. His 9 assists weren’t just stats — they were proof of his basketball IQ. When Houston collapsed on him, he found Murray for open threes or Hardaway in the corner. He made Houston pay for overcommitting — and that’s why he’s the MVP.
Why was Reed Sheppard’s performance so surprising?
Sheppard entered the game averaging 11 points per contest. Scoring 27 — including five threes — on 8-of-13 shooting is a massive leap. He’s a late first-round pick who’s been developing slowly. This game showed he can handle pressure, shoot off the dribble, and thrive in transition. If he keeps this up, he’ll be an All-Star candidate by next season.
What does this loss mean for the Rockets’ playoff chances?
Houston is still 10-4 — one of the top records in the West. But losing close games like this, especially after leading by five with under 10 minutes left, raises questions about their closing ability. They lack a true go-to scorer in crunch time. If they don’t find one before the trade deadline, their playoff run could stall in the first round.
How crucial is Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Nuggets’ success this season?
Hardaway isn’t a starter, but he’s been Denver’s most reliable bench scorer. His $3.6 million deal is a steal. He hit five three-pointers in the last three games, including the one that broke Houston’s momentum. He plays smart, takes high-percentage shots, and doesn’t force anything. In a league full of volume shooters, he’s the anti-star — and that’s exactly what Denver needs.
What’s the significance of the Emirates NBA Cup for teams outside the top contenders?
For teams like Houston, the Cup is a chance to test young players against elite competition. It’s also a platform for players like Sheppard to prove they belong. For mid-tier teams, winning group games can build confidence and momentum heading into the real playoffs. The Cup isn’t just a tournament — it’s a developmental tool disguised as entertainment.
Will the Nuggets be favorites to win the NBA Cup?
Absolutely. With Jokić in peak form, Murray back to All-Star level, and a deep bench, they’re the most complete team in the tournament. They’ve beaten the Lakers, Suns, and now the Rockets — all in close games. If they stay healthy, they’re the team to beat. The only question: can anyone stop them when the pressure’s on?
