You Won't Believe How Nikola Jokic's 34 Points Shattered Records in This Insane NBA Cup Win!

HOUSTON — The Denver Nuggets are beginning to find their stride in the NBA Cup, showcasing their potential as contenders following a thrilling 112-109 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. With standout performances from star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have improved their record to 2-1 in the tournament, positioning themselves well ahead of their final game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 28.

Nikola Jokic led the charge with an impressive 34 points, complemented by 10 rebounds and 9 assists. His ability to dominate the game was especially pronounced in the second half, where he scored 24 of his total points. Jamal Murray also made significant contributions, finishing with 26 points and 10 assists. Despite a setback with Aaron Gordon exiting the game early due to a right hamstring strain, the Nuggets displayed resilience, shooting 53% from the field to secure the win.

The Rockets, despite the loss, had some bright spots. Reed Sheppard set a personal best, scoring 27 points, including 20 in the first half on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting performance. Amen Thompson added 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds. The team shot 44% overall, but this was not enough to overcome Denver's late-game surge.

As the game progressed, the Nuggets found themselves trailing 92-87 with just under nine minutes to play. However, they rallied with a crucial 20-9 run, culminating in a six-point lead, thanks to two free throws from Murray with 23 seconds left on the clock. The Rockets attempted to claw back, narrowing the deficit to just one point with a three-pointer by Smith, but Jokic sealed the game with two free throws in the final seconds. A last-ditch half-court heave by Alperen Sengun missed the mark, securing the Nuggets' victory.

The outcome leaves the Nuggets tied with the Portland Trail Blazers at the top of Group C standings, with the Blazers currently holding the tiebreaker based on their head-to-head matchup. Meanwhile, the Rockets dropped to 1-2 with one game remaining against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. The stakes are high for both teams as they seek to advance in the NBA Cup.

For Denver, the win serves as a confidence booster not only in the context of the NBA Cup but also as they continue to navigate the early part of the regular season. The performance of Jokic and Murray highlights their potential as a dominant duo, essential for any team's success in the competitive landscape of the NBA. The Nuggets' ability to maintain composure despite losing a key player early in the game is a testament to their depth and determination.

Fans can look forward to the Nugget's next game, where they will aim to solidify their standing in the NBA Cup before heading into the regular season's critical stretch. With the momentum from this hard-fought victory, Denver hopes to keep their Cup hopes alive and build on the chemistry displayed on the court.