The Denver Nuggets surrendered an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately fell 119-117 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, extending their difficulties in closing out games at home. The loss brought Denver’s record on their home court to 14-11 as they struggled to maintain momentum late in the contest. Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists despite shooting only 6-for-16 from the field. Julian Strawther and Christian Braun each scored 20 points for Denver, but those efforts were not enough to secure the win.
Leading the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points and handed out 10 assists, with James Harden and Jarrett Allen also providing strong double-double performances. Cleveland’s effective execution down the stretch contrasted sharply with Denver’s struggles to find scoring rhythm in the final minutes. With only one game remaining before the All-Star break, the Nuggets face pressing questions about their ability to perform under pressure as they aim to avoid further late-game collapses.
Early Momentum and Shifts in Game Control
The Cavaliers jumped out quickly, scoring the game’s first three baskets as Denver faltered with a turnover and missed shots. Julian Strawther responded for the Nuggets with a corner three, followed by a three-point play after driving through contact. Despite some defensive stops by the Cavaliers’ Harden, Jokic stayed active, securing putbacks and maintaining Denver’s presence in the paint. The Nuggets pushed the lead to 15-8 before Cleveland’s Harden and Jaylon Tyson rallied with a layup and a three-pointer. Denver countered with Christian Braun hitting a triple and finishing a layup assisted by Jokic. After exchanges of points and fouls, Denver led 28-21 at one point in the quarter, however, by the end of the first, the Cavaliers closed the gap to 30-26.
Back-and-Forth Battle in the Second Quarter
Jokic returned to the floor and quickly made an impact with a steal setting up a three-point shot for Tim Hardaway Jr. Denver’s defense forced turnovers, allowing Strawther to drive for a transition layup. Cam Johnson’s defensive effort created a steal and dunk for Cleveland, prompting an early timeout from the visiting team. Both teams traded threes and defensive stops, with Thomas Bryant and Nae’Qwan Tomlin hitting threes for Cleveland, helping erase Denver’s lead. The Nuggets responded with Jamal Murray finding Braun for an easy layup, while Joker connected on a three assisted by Hardaway Jr. The Cavaliers remained in striking distance after a series of jumpers and free throws closed the half with Denver holding a 59-54 advantage.
Intense Exchanges Throughout the Third Quarter
The third quarter saw continued exchanges as Donovan Mitchell opened with a deep three-pointer to ignite Cleveland’s offense. Jokic responded with his own jumpers while Denver worked to control the pace. Turnovers afflicted Denver at times, disrupted further by the accumulation of fouls on key players like Cam Johnson. Despite this, Braun’s three-pointer and transition baskets helped the Nuggets maintain a narrow lead. Jamal Murray showed energy with finishes at the rim and free throws, while both teams battled inside with aggressive rebounding and contested shots. Heading into the final quarter, Denver led 92-87, still holding the advantage but seeing the Cavaliers closing the gap steadily.
Fourth Quarter Collapse Costs Nuggets the Game
The fourth quarter began with Strawther at the free throw line, followed by traded threes from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nae’Qwan Tomlin. Jokic worked aggressively, converting free throws and jump shots while connecting with Jalen Pickett for an open three as Denver extended their lead to 103-92. However, the Cavaliers responded with timely threes from Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill to narrow the deficit to 106-102. In the waning minutes, turnovers hurt Denver, including a Jamal turnover that led to an Allen alley-oop for Cleveland. Despite Braun’s three-pointer and Joker’s paint presence, Cleveland fought back with layups by Allen and a clutch three from Harden to tie the game in the final minute. Donovan Mitchell then stepped to the line to sink key free throws that ultimately gave Cleveland the lead.
Denver missed crucial attempts in the dying seconds, including a final Jokic shot that failed to connect, allowing the Cavaliers to complete their comeback and win 119-117. The loss highlighted Denver’s ongoing difficulty in finishing close games and raised pressing questions about their late-game execution.
Implications for Denver and Outlook Before the Break
Denver’s recurring struggles in the clutch have been a source of frustration throughout the season, as key home losses continue to pile up. Despite strong performances from young players like Julian Strawther and Christian Braun, the absence of critical defensive contributors Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson, and Aaron Gordon due to injury has been felt deeply. The team’s star players have yet to consistently assert themselves down the stretch this season, with a lack of reliable game-closing rituals contributing to late losses.
With one final game remaining before the All-Star break against Memphis, the Nuggets face urgent pressure to secure a victory and halt their recent slide. The break offers an opportunity for rest and recovery, but Denver must find a way to develop better chemistry and resilience to avoid slipping further in the standings during the second half of the season.
“That’s some Mal moves for you pic.twitter.com/kWRig56kKx” ?Denver Nuggets Twitter Account
That's some Mal moves for you pic.twitter.com/kWRig56kKx
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 10, 2026
