Understanding the Significant Impact of This Overtime Victory on the Competitive Standings for the Rockets vs Nuggets in the Western Conference
The Denver Nuggets (19-6) extended their winning streak to five games with a hard-fought 128-125 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets (16-7) on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Ball Arena. In a matchup between two Western Conference heavyweights, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic delivered a masterclass performance to lead Denver to its first home win since early November, overcoming a resilient Houston squad led by Alperen Sengun.
The immediate score and summary of the Rockets vs Nuggets battle highlighted a game of wild momentum swings. The final 100 seconds of regulation featured four ties and four lead changes. Houston appeared to have snatched a victory when Alperen Sengun hit a clutch floater to take a 117-116 lead with 2.3 seconds remaining. However, a controversial "away-from-the-play" foul on Houston's Amen Thompson sent Jamal Murray to the line; he sank the tying free throw to force overtime. In the extra period, Denver jumped to a seven-point lead and survived a late Houston rally when Sengun’s potential game-tying three-pointer missed the mark.
Key stats from the contest underscore the historic nature of the center battle. Nikola Jokic finished with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season, despite fouling out with one minute left in overtime. Jamal Murray was equally vital, scoring 35 points and going 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. For the Rockets, Sengun posted a massive triple-double of his own 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists marking the first time in NBA history that opposing centers each recorded a 30-point triple-double in the same game. Kevin Durant added 25 points and five blocks in the losing effort.
The strategic factor in the Nuggets vs Rockets win was Denver’s ability to overcome significant injury adversity. Already playing without starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle), the Nuggets lost starting guard Peyton Watson to a trunk contusion just six minutes into the first quarter. Denver relied heavily on its depth and the elite two-man game of Jokic and Murray to stabilize the offense. The Nuggets’ execution in the early minutes of overtime, highlighted by a Spencer Jones three-pointer that pushed the lead to 124-117, ultimately provided enough cushion to withstand Houston’s final push.
Looking at the future outlook, this victory solidifies Denver’s pursuit of the top seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets will look to extend their streak on Thursday when they host the Orlando Magic. For the Rockets, the heartbreaking loss kicks off a lengthy six-game road trip. While disappointed by the result and the late-regulation foul call, Houston proved they can compete with the league's elite, as Sengun continues to establish himself as a premier big man capable of going toe-to-toe with Jokic.