The Denver Nuggets went toe-to-toe with the New York Knicks in an instant classic at Madison Square Garden, but after two grueling overtimes, they came up just short-falling 134-127 in a game that had just about everything. From Jamal Murray’s electric start to Nikola Jokic doing what Nikola Jokic does, Denver threw everything it had at New York. But in the end, the combination of injuries, fatigue, and a few missed chances proved too much to overcome.
Murray’s First-Quarter Masterclass
Jamal Murray came out like a man on a mission. He dropped 20 points in the first quarter alone, barely touching rim on most of his makes.
It wasn’t just one area of the floor, either-Murray was slicing through the lane, pulling up from mid-range, and drilling threes like it was a solo workout. It was vintage Murray, the kind of rhythm that makes you think he might go for 50.
His early explosion gave Denver the jolt it needed on the second night of a back-to-back, and for a while, it looked like the Nuggets might ride that wave all the way to a statement win.
Jokic Posts Another Triple-Double
Nikola Jokic, even on a minutes restriction, still found a way to leave his imprint all over this game. The reigning MVP (and triple-double machine) finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was the engine behind Denver’s offense, as always-whether it was finding cutters with laser-sharp passes or backing down defenders in the post with his signature patience and footwork.
Jokic had to sit out a chunk of the fourth quarter due to those minutes limitations, but he returned in the final minutes and nearly stole the game at the end of regulation. His straightaway three at the buzzer looked good for a moment before rattling out, sending the game to overtime.
Injuries Continue to Mount
The Nuggets didn’t just lose the game-they lost more bodies. Spencer Jones exited in the first half with a head contusion after a collision that initially looked worse for Karl-Anthony Towns. Jones didn’t return after halftime, and that’s a hit to Denver’s rotation depth.
Later, Peyton Watson left in the fourth quarter clutching his hamstring. If it’s a standard strain, he could be sidelined for several weeks-another tough blow for a team that’s already had its share of injury setbacks this season. For a group trying to build consistency heading into the stretch run, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Wild Finish in Regulation
Despite the injuries and the fatigue of a back-to-back, the Nuggets had a chance to win this game in regulation. After Jokic returned with under three minutes to go, Murray tied it up with a smooth mid-range jumper with 13.5 seconds left. On the other end, Christian Braun came up huge defensively, smothering Jalen Brunson and forcing a tough miss.
Then came the moment: Jokic, straightaway, deep three at the buzzer. It looked good-until it didn’t. The shot rimmed out, and the Nuggets were headed to overtime.
Braun’s Clutch Moment
In the first overtime, it looked like the Knicks had finally put it away when Murray’s desperation three at the buzzer missed badly. But in a wild twist, Mikal Bridges was called for a loose ball foul on Christian Braun with just 0.3 seconds left. Braun calmly stepped to the line and knocked down clutch free throws to send the game to a second OT.
It was a gutsy, composed moment from the young wing, who continues to show he belongs in high-leverage situations.
Final Thoughts
This was one of those games that felt like a playoff preview-two teams trading haymakers, stars stepping up, and role players making big-time plays. Denver showed fight, resilience, and flashes of brilliance.
Murray was sensational. Jokic was Jokic.
But the toll of a back-to-back, the loss of key rotation players, and a few missed chances in crunch time ultimately tipped the scales.
It’s a tough loss, but one that still offers plenty of positives. If the Nuggets can get healthy and keep this level of intensity, they’ll be a problem come spring.