Overview
- Nikola Jokic posted 34 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, including late free throws that sealed the result at Toyota Center.
- Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists as Denver shot 53% and overcame a fourth‑quarter deficit.
- Denver’s Aaron Gordon exited less than four minutes in with a right hamstring strain after being listed as probable pregame.
- Houston rookie Reed Sheppard scored a career‑high 27 off the bench, while Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun combined for 27 on 11‑of‑28 shooting.
- Denver moved to 2‑1 in group play (12‑3 overall) with the Spurs up next, Houston fell to 1‑2 (10‑4) before visiting the Warriors; the game streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.