Nuggets Secure Ninth Straight Victory Over Hornets, 129-115

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets continued their winning streak, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 129-115 Thursday night at the Ball Arena. This victory marked the Nuggets’ ninth consecutive win, positioning them strongly as they head deeper into the season.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic stood out with an impressive performance, recording 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. He was complemented by Jamal Murray, who led all scorers with 34 points. Aaron Gordon added 18 points, while Julian Strawther contributed 16 points off the bench.

The Hornets were led by Miles Bridges, who achieved a season-high of 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Josh Green contributed 19 points, and Nick Smith Jr. added 16 points as Charlotte tried to build on their recent 100-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The game was tightly contested, particularly in the third quarter when the Hornets managed to tie the score at 92, thanks to a strong showing from Bridges, who scored 18 points during that period. However, the Nuggets regained control, led by Jokic and Murray, to secure the win.

“We just want to keep building on this momentum,” Jokic said after the game. “Each win builds our confidence, and we need to keep pushing forward as a team.”

The Hornets’ effort was commendable, but they struggled to keep pace with the Nuggets’ offensive rhythm, especially in the fourth quarter. Denver capitalized on their opportunities, with Strawther and Russell Westbrook hitting crucial three-pointers that built a 105-96 lead early in the final period.

Charlotte made a push, cutting the deficit to 114-105 with just under four minutes remaining, but Jokic’s timely play helped the Nuggets maintain a comfortable lead. A layup by Christian Braun followed shortly after, extending the margin to 124-114, solidifying their position for the win.

“Our defense has been solid lately,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone noted. “Winning games like this gives us a lot of confidence, but we still have plenty of work to do.”

Denver improved to 8-0 in February with the victory, showing strong performance at both ends of the court. As the playoffs approach, the Nuggets are looking to carry this momentum into their remaining games.

The Hornets, despite the loss, showed resilience after a strong couple of games and will look to regroup as they head into their next match.