Jamal Murray delivered when it mattered most, sinking a go-ahead jumper with 8.6 seconds remaining as the Denver Nuggets completed a stunning 130-129 comeback win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.
Nikola Jokic added yet another masterpiece to his growing collection, recording his NBA-leading 10th triple-double of the season with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Murray finished with a game-high 28 points, while Russell Westbrook flirted with a triple-double of his own, contributing 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in a critical role.
The win didn’t come easy for Denver. Trailing by 10 points with just under four minutes remaining, the Nuggets unleashed a furious 14-3 run to flip the game’s momentum. Murray’s decisive jumper came moments after DeMar DeRozan put the Kings back in front with a thunderous baseline dunk, marking one of seven lead changes in a heart-pounding final 75 seconds.
DeRozan had a chance to reclaim the lead for Sacramento in the closing moments, but his contested inside attempt fell short, allowing the Nuggets to escape with their 14th win of the season and snap the Kings’ three-game winning streak.
Domantas Sabonis continued his dominant play for Sacramento, posting 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, while De’Aaron Fox led the team with 29 points and 7 assists. Malik Monk provided a spark off the bench, dropping 25 points as Sacramento battled back after a sluggish start.
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Denver came out firing, building a 41-21 lead after the first quarter as their physical play set the tone. But credit the Kings, who stormed back with renewed energy, outscoring the Nuggets over the next two quarters to make it a game heading into the final stretch.
The key moment of the fourth quarter came with under two minutes left. Aaron Gordon drilled a clutch 3-pointer to cut Sacramento’s lead to one. On the next possession, Michael Porter Jr. stripped the ball, sparking a transition play where Jokic finished at the rim off a pinpoint Westbrook assist to give Denver a 123-122 lead.
From that point on, the game turned into a back-and-forth battle of composure and execution. Murray’s pull-up jumper proved the dagger, giving Denver just enough breathing room to hold off the Kings’ final push.
Westbrook’s versatility
Westbrook’s versatility has been invaluable for the Nuggets, especially in moments like Monday night. Filling in for the injured Christian Braun, the nine-time All-Star displayed his usual energy and playmaking, seamlessly fitting into Denver’s starting unit. His near triple-double was pivotal in maintaining the offensive flow and keeping Sacramento’s defense on its heels.
On the Kings’ side, head coach Mike Brown saw his team respond well after their early struggles. Sacramento allowed 76 points in the paint, far above their season average, but their resilience in the second half gave them a real chance to steal the game late. Fox and Sabonis were their anchors, and Monk’s offensive punch off the bench kept the Kings within striking distance.
For Denver, their dominance inside was the defining stat of the game. The Nuggets overwhelmed Sacramento in the paint, scoring 76 points, a staggering 33 more than the Kings typically allow. It was a testament to Denver’s physicality and ability to exploit mismatches down low.
With the victory, Denver improves to 14-10 on the season and builds momentum heading into their next matchup. Up next, the Nuggets travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Thursday. Meanwhile, Sacramento, now sitting at 13-14, will regroup as they host the Los Angeles Lakers on the same night.
Denver’s win showcased their late-game resilience, fueled by Murray’s clutch heroics and Jokic’s all-around brilliance. The Kings, despite the loss, showed why they’re a dangerous opponent capable of battling back against any team. But on this night, the Nuggets’ stars shined brightest when it counted most.
