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Durant Scores 31 as Sheppard’s Late Flurry Lifts Rockets Over Nuggets 115-101 to End Six-Game Streak

Denver’s high-powered offense stalled with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray kept in check.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun prepares to the court to face the Denver Nuggets in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, drives past Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) loses control of the ball while driving past Houston Rockets centers Alperen Sengun (28) and Steven Adams (12) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, looks to shoot over Houston Rockets center Steven Adams, front right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Overview

  • Houston went 19-for-35 from three-point range (54%) while Denver finished 8-for-29 (27%), a decisive perimeter disparity.
  • Reed Sheppard scored the final 11 points of the third quarter, pushing a 71-66 lead to 82-66 and breaking the game open.
  • Denver posted a season-low point total as extended droughts in the second and third quarters undercut a strong defensive start.
  • Nikola Jokic led Denver with 25 points and Jamal Murray added 16, while defender Peyton Watson was out and coach Dave Adelman was ejected with 8:40 left.
  • Kevin Durant paced Houston with 31 points, Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 with five threes, and Josh Okogie’s trio of second-quarter triples keyed an 11-0 run that helped avenge Monday’s overtime loss.