Bulls Edge Nuggets in Thrilling Finish at Ball Arena
Monday, November 17, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Chicago Bulls 130, Denver Nuggets 127, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets?
Chicago Bulls beat Denver Nuggets 130-127 at Ball Arena on November 17, 2025.
In a closely contested matchup, the Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 130-127 at Ball Arena on November 17, 2025. This victory allowed the Bulls to take a 2-0 lead in their season series against the Nuggets, having previously won their earlier meetings on January 28 and March 25 of the same year.
The Nuggets entered the game with a strong home record of 10-3 and were riding a seven-game winning streak, having averaged 124.2 points while allowing just 108.0 points over their last five games. Their recent form was bolstered by impressive victories against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers. However, they faced a challenge against the Bulls, who had struggled recently, losing their last five games and holding a 7-6 record overall.
The Bulls, despite their recent struggles, managed to score an average of 122.7 points in their last ten games, but they also allowed an average of 124.9 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability. Their away record was particularly concerning, having lost all five of their last away games leading up to this match. Nonetheless, they managed to capitalize on their opportunities against the Nuggets, showcasing resilience in a high-pressure environment.
In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were uncertain due to calf and undisclosed injuries, respectively. The Bulls had several players also listed as day-to-day, including Dailyn Swain (wrist), Zach Collins (toe), Josh Giddey (ankle), and Rob Dillingham (wrist), which added an element of unpredictability to the game.
The market had the Nuggets as favorites, reflecting their strong home performance and recent form, but the Bulls proved their worth by pulling off the upset. The odds from the provider indicated a significant expectation for the Nuggets to win, which they ultimately did not fulfill.
As the game progressed, the scoring plays were intense, particularly in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic made a crucial eight-foot shot, assisted by Jamal Murray, bringing the Nuggets to within one point at 123-122. However, the Bulls responded with a three-pointer from Nikola Vucevic, extending their lead. Jokic continued to fight back with a driving layup, but Ayo Dosunmu's free throws helped maintain the Bulls' advantage. Jamal Murray's step-back three-pointer briefly narrowed the gap, but the Bulls sealed the game with free throws from Kevin Huerter, ultimately securing the win.
This game highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. Viewers were treated to a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination, making this matchup one to remember.
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
- Dailyn SwainDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Josh GiddeyDay-To-DayAnkleChicago Bulls
- Rob DillinghamDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
Leaders
- PointsNikola Jokic36Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic13Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic18Denver Nuggets
- PointsJosh Giddey21Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey6Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsJosh Giddey14Chicago Bulls
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W7122.9 scored · 108.7 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W123-112at Minnesota TimberwolvesNov 16
- W130-116at LA ClippersNov 13
- W122-108at Sacramento KingsNov 12
- W117-100vs Indiana PacersNov 9
- W129-104vs Golden State WarriorsNov 8
- W122-112vs Miami HeatNov 6
- W130-124vs Sacramento KingsNov 4
- L107-109at Portland Trail BlazersNov 1
- W122-88vs New Orleans PelicansOct 30
- W127-114at Minnesota TimberwolvesOct 28
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 4-6Streak L5122.7 scored · 124.9 allowed per game0-5 away
- L147-150at Utah JazzNov 17
- L113-124at Detroit PistonsNov 13
- L117-121vs San Antonio SpursNov 11
- L122-128at Cleveland CavaliersNov 9
- L110-126at Milwaukee BucksNov 8
- W113-111vs Philadelphia 76ersNov 5
- L116-128at New York KnicksNov 3
- W135-125vs New York KnicksNov 1
- W126-113vs Sacramento KingsOct 30
- W128-123vs Atlanta HawksOct 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Bulls | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 48-102 | 46-97 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 19-53 | 14-36 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 39 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 21-25 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 53 | 53 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 40 | 40 |
| Assists | 31 | 21 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 23 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 48 |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter99-88Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter99-89Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter101-89Patrick Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Dalen Terry assists)
- 3rd Quarter101-90Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter101-91Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter101-93Nikola Jokic makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter102-93Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter103-93Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-93Jevon Carter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter106-95Jamal Murray makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-95Julian Phillips makes 1-foot dunk (Dalen Terry assists)
- 4th Quarter108-98Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter110-98Ayo Dosunmu makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-101Jamal Murray makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter110-103Jamal Murray makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-104Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter110-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-106Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-106Josh Giddey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-106Josh Giddey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-108Peyton Watson makes 1-foot dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter112-110Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter114-110Josh Giddey makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter114-113Cameron Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter116-113Josh Giddey makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter116-114Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter116-115Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter116-117Jamal Murray makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter118-117Josh Giddey makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter118-120Nikola Jokic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter121-120Kevin Huerter makes 28-foot three point jumper (Nikola Vucevic assists)
- 4th Quarter123-120Ayo Dosunmu makes dunk
- 4th Quarter123-122Nikola Jokic makes 8-foot two point shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter126-122Nikola Vucevic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevin Huerter assists)
- 4th Quarter126-124Nikola Jokic makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter127-124Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-124Ayo Dosunmu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-127Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter129-127Kevin Huerter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-127Kevin Huerter makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Chicago Bulls.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance19951
- OfficialsJustin Van Duyne, Jenna Schroeder, Jonathan Sterling
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These two, other days
- Nuggets Edge Bulls in Thrilling FinishOct 11, 2026
- Nuggets Defeat Bulls 136-120 at United CenterFeb 7, 2026
- Nuggets Edge Bulls in Competitive MatchupOct 14, 2025