The Charlotte Hornets managed to hold their own in the first half against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, mirroring a similar performance from a few days prior. But the momentum shifted violently in the third quarter, leading to a 111-93 loss in the Mile High City on Monday night. It was a heartbreaking result that extended the Hornets' losing streak to 11 games. Meanwhile, Denver continues to dominate, securing 10 wins out of their last 12 matches and maintaining a five-game win streak over Charlotte. Jamal Murray sparked the revival, putting up 25 points, with a crucial 11-point burst in the third quarter that sealed the game.
The Charlotte Hornets produced a strong play in the first half of the game against the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets for the second time in nine days. But, once again, the Hornets were derailed by a disastrous third quarter in a 111-93 loss in the Mile High City on Monday night. This was the Hornets’ 11th straight loss, continuing with their recent struggles. On the other hand, the Nuggets registered their 10th win in 12 outings and fifth straight in the head-to-head series with the Hornets. Jamal Murray scored 25 points, 11 of which came in the crucial third quarter, assisting the Nuggets in their incredible comeback.
Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 22 points, and Nikola Jokic anchored the team with 13 points and 11 boards. Reggie Jackson also had a productive outing, scoring 15 points. The Nuggets also welcomed back Aaron Gordon, who had been sidelined for two games due to a dog bite injury; he finished the night with 10 points.
On the Hornets' side, Miles Bridges was a bright spot, leading the team with 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting, plus nine rebounds and five assists—marking his fourth 20+ point game in five outings. Both Nick Richards and Brandon Miller contributed 15 points each. Due to Terry Rozier being out sick, Charlotte had to roll their 13th different starting lineup of the season. Bryce McGowens and Ish Smith added 10 points each to the effort.
What started as a deadlocked 49-49 game at halftime quickly became a blowout. The Nuggets completely took over the third quarter, outscoring the Hornets 40-17. Denver was lethal in this stretch, shooting 63.2% from the field (including 5-of-8 from deep) and hitting every single one of their 11 free throws, while keeping the Hornets off the foul line entirely and forcing five turnovers. This mirrored a previous clash on December 23rd where Denver had a 25-1 run; this time, they nearly matched it with a 17-0 tear led by Murray, Porter, and Jokic. From that point on, Charlotte had no answer, extending a losing streak that hasn't been this bad since their 18-game slide back in 2012.
The Nuggets went on a 17-0 run in the third quarter, propelled by great performances from Murray, Porter, and Jokic. The Hornets never threatened again after that, completing their first losing skid of at least 11 games from November 26 to December 29, 2012 (lost 18 straight).
Reflecting on the game, Hornets Head Coach Steve Clifford pointed to the turnovers as the breaking point. 'The turnovers really jumped out at me,' Clifford noted. 'We were clean with only six in the first half, but then we gave up four quickly in the third, and Denver capitalized on every single one of them.'