In an exciting matchup on January 11, 2026, the Denver Nuggets triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks with a close score of 108-104. This game was notable not just for the nail-biting finish but also for the impressive performances of several players, particularly Tim Hardaway Jr., who led the Nuggets with 25 points, while Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with 23 points.
Despite facing a slew of injuries that left them without five of their top eight scorers, including star player Nikola Jokic, who is sidelined due to a bone bruise in his left knee, the Nuggets found a way to secure the win. Jamal Murray also missed the game due to a sprained left ankle. The absence of these key players—who collectively average around 84.6 points per game—put immense pressure on the remaining squad members to step up.
Peyton Watson had a standout performance as well, scoring 19 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Over his last seven games, Watson has been averaging an impressive 23.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his development and importance to the team. Zeke Nnaji also made a significant impact by recording his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
On the opposing side, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his elite skills, finishing the night with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Myles Turner added 16 points for the Bucks, while both Bobby Portis and AJ Green chipped in with 14 points each. However, Ryan Rollins, who recently enjoyed a streak of 37 consecutive games scoring at least 10 points, was limited to just two points, marking an unfortunate end to his impressive run.
The game saw the Bucks rally back from a 15-point deficit in the first half and an 11-point gap heading into the fourth quarter. They managed to narrow the score to 105-102 but fell short in the closing seconds as they missed two critical three-point attempts from Rollins and Green. In those final moments, Gordon, the only regular starter still on the court for the Nuggets, calmly sank three free throws to secure the victory.
As the Nuggets continue to navigate this tough stretch, having lost five of their last eight games following a strong start to the season (22-8), there’s a growing concern about their ability to maintain performance amid these injuries. Conversely, the Bucks, who have displayed resilience with a 5-2 record in their last seven games after a shaky 12-19 start, are looking to build momentum.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Bucks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on the same evening.
What do you think about the Nuggets' ability to cope with their injuries? Can they maintain their winning ways, or will the lack of key players catch up with them? Share your thoughts!
