DENVER (AP) — Jalen Green’s 34-point performance, complemented by Alperen Sengun’s 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, led the Houston Rockets to a decisive 128-108 victory over the short-handed Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Green, showcasing his prowess with six 3-pointers, continued his recent scoring streak, averaging 32 points in the Rockets’ last six games, highlighted by a career-high 42 points against Memphis earlier in the week. Fred VanVleet contributed 16 points, eight assists, and three steals to the Rockets’ triumph, marking their fifth win in six matchups against Denver.
The Nuggets faced challenges with two key scorers sidelined; reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic was absent due to right elbow inflammation, while Aaron Gordon was sidelined with a right calf injury. Despite the efforts of Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, who both notched 22 points, Denver struggled, committing 18 turnovers in the game, led by five each from starting guards Murray and Russell Westbrook.
In the bigger picture, the Rockets extended their winning streak to five games, improving to 10-3 in their last 13 outings, solidifying their position as the second-placed team in the Western Conference. Conversely, the Nuggets, who had won eight of their previous ten games, faced their most significant defeat since a 145-118 loss to the New York Knicks in late November.
A pivotal moment in the game came in the second quarter when Houston embarked on an 8-2 run, capped by a corner 3-pointer from former Nugget Jeff Green, extending their lead to 11 points. The Rockets dominated the period, outscoring Denver 41-25 and carried a commanding 69-48 advantage into halftime.
Statistically, the loss marked Denver’s eighth defeat in 20 home games this season, matching their total number of home losses in 41 regular-season games in the 2023-24 season.
Looking ahead, Houston is set to continue their road trip with a game on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings, while the Nuggets will face off against the Miami Heat on Friday.
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