Nuggets Edge Rockets in Close Contest
Friday, November 21, 2025, 9:30 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Denver Nuggets 112, Houston Rockets 109, 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 Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets?
Denver Nuggets beat Houston Rockets 112-109 at Toyota Center (Houston) on November 21, 2025.
In a tightly contested game at the Toyota Center, the Denver Nuggets secured a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets, finishing with a score of 112 to 109. This match marked the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with Denver now leading the series 2-0 after their previous victory on April 13, 2025, where they defeated the Rockets 126-111.
Both teams entered the game with impressive recent form. The Houston Rockets boasted a home record of 10-4 and had been particularly strong at home, winning their last five games and holding a 4-0 record in their last ten home games. During this stretch, they averaged 125.6 points scored while allowing 112.0 points. Their recent victories included a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 20, where they won 114-104, and a close home win against the Orlando Magic, finishing 117-113.
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets came into the game with a solid away record of 12-3, having won eight of their last ten games, including a recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, where they triumphed 125-118. They averaged 123.2 points scored and allowed 113.3 points during their last ten games, showing their offensive capability.
In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as Day-To-Day. The Rockets were without Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams, all dealing with various ailments. Meanwhile, the Nuggets had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile listed as Day-To-Day, which could have impacted their lineup.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the odds indicating a closely matched contest. The home win probability for the Rockets was recorded at 0.0, suggesting that the Nuggets were favored to win by the providers, although specific odds were not disclosed.
The game was played under standard NBA conditions, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a home crowd. Fans were treated to a thrilling fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Notable scoring plays included Amen Thompson's 24-foot three-point jumper that brought the Rockets within three points, and a crucial dunk by Alperen Sengun, assisted by Thompson, which kept the game competitive.
As the game drew to a close, free throws by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic solidified the Nuggets' lead, allowing them to maintain their advantage and ultimately secure the win. The final moments showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, with the Nuggets managing to hold off the Rockets' late-game push.
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsReed Sheppard27Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun6Houston Rockets
- ReboundsJabari Smith Jr.11Houston Rockets
- PointsNikola Jokic34Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJamal Murray10Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic10Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W5123.9 scored · 111.4 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W114-104at Cleveland CavaliersNov 20
- W117-113vs Orlando MagicNov 17
- W140-116vs Portland Trail BlazersNov 15
- W135-112vs Washington WizardsNov 13
- W122-115at Milwaukee BucksNov 9
- L110-121at San Antonio SpursNov 8
- W124-109at Memphis GrizzliesNov 6
- W110-102vs Dallas MavericksNov 4
- W128-101at Boston CelticsNov 2
- W139-121at Toronto RaptorsOct 29
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 8-2Streak W1123.2 scored · 113.3 allowed per game4-1 away
- W125-118at New Orleans PelicansNov 20
- L127-130vs Chicago BullsNov 18
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-76 | 41-93 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 14-36 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 39 |
| Free throws | 21-27 | 13-20 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 23 |
| Assists | 28 | 21 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 7 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 50 |
| Fouls | 20 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-76Jabari Smith Jr. makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter75-76Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 22-foot jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-77Aaron Holiday makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter75-78Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-78Jonas Valanciunas makes layup
- 3rd Quarter80-78Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter80-80Amen Thompson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-80Jamal Murray makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-83Jabari Smith Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter82-86Jabari Smith Jr. makes 25-foot three point shot (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter85-86Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter85-87Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-88Reed Sheppard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-88Bruce Brown makes layup (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter87-90Amen Thompson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter87-92Amen Thompson makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Steven Adams assists)
- 4th Quarter89-92Nikola Jokic makes 18-foot jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter89-94Alperen Sengun makes 13-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-94Spencer Jones makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter94-94Jamal Murray makes 16-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter94-96Alperen Sengun makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-96Cameron Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter98-96Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-96Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-97Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-97Nikola Jokic makes 17-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter101-99Steven Adams makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter103-99Jamal Murray makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter103-101Amen Thompson makes dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter105-101Jamal Murray makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-101Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-101Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-104Amen Thompson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter108-104Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-104Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-106Alperen Sengun makes dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter110-106Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-109Jabari Smith Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter111-109Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-109Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18108
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Dedric Taylor, J.T. Orr
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