Houston Rockets Fall Short in Denver as Jokic Drops 34 in Narrow Loss

The Houston Rockets came up just short on Monday night, dropping a tight 112-109 contest to the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Houston fought until the closing moments, but Denver superstar Nikola Jokic proved too much with a 34-point, all-around performance that swung the game late.

Rockets Battle but Miss Late Opportunities

Houston opened the night with strong defensive energy and produced balanced scoring across the roster. The Rockets moved the ball well, kept pace with Denver’s veterans, and held the lead at multiple points. However, the team struggled to convert several late possessions, which allowed the Nuggets to regain control.

Despite the loss, Houston’s young core showed poise in a tough environment. Jalen Green attacked the paint consistently, while Alperen Sengun battled Jokic in one of his most physical matchups of the season. The Rockets also benefitted from solid bench minutes, which kept the game close entering the fourth quarter.

Still, Denver’s experience showed. Jokic dominated in the post, created open shots for teammates, and controlled the pace during the final minutes. His late scoring burst proved decisive and prevented Houston from completing its comeback.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

This matchup offered a strong measuring stick for where the Rockets stand against an elite team. Even in a loss, competing with Denver on the road shows real progress. The Rockets continue to tighten their defensive identity and remain in the mix in a competitive Western Conference.

Fans in Houston should view this as another sign that Houston’s young roster is maturing. Although the Rockets still need more late-game consistency, the effort level and execution improved compared to previous road tests.

What’s Next for Houston

The Rockets return home looking to reset and take advantage of a favorable stretch at Toyota Center. The coaching staff will likely focus on closing out games, defensive rotations, and improving late-shot-clock execution.

Houston remains well-positioned to stay in postseason contention, especially if the team continues to compete with top-tier opponents the way it did in Denver.

This article is a summary of reporting by the Shelton Herald. Read the full story here.