The Denver Nuggets survived a heart-stopping finale to beat the Houston Rockets 112-109 on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Toyota Center in Houston. With just 3.1 seconds left and the score tied at 110-109, Nikola Jokić stepped to the line — cold, calm, and utterly unstoppable. He sank both free throws. Then came the desperation heave from Alperen Şengün — long, arcing, and ultimately wide. The crowd fell silent. The Nuggets’ bench erupted. And for the second time this month, Denver proved they don’t need to dominate all night to win when it matters most.
How the Game Unfolded: A Second-Half Surge
It wasn’t pretty early. The Rockets came out like a team possessed, dropping 37 points in the second quarter — their highest-scoring frame of the season. Reed Sheppard, the 20-year-old guard from Texas, lit up the scoreboard with 20 first-half points on 8-of-11 shooting. His five three-pointers tied a career high. Meanwhile, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. provided relentless energy, combining for 43 points and 18 rebounds.
But then came the third quarter. And everything changed.
Denver, trailing by five at halftime, turned up the defensive pressure. Jokić, who had just 10 points at the break, exploded for 24 in the final two quarters. He wasn’t just scoring — he was orchestrating. Nine assists. Ten rebounds. Three-point shooting? He didn’t need it. He made the Rockets pay with mid-range pull-ups, crafty post moves, and pinpoint passes that left defenders stumbling.
The Final Minutes: A Masterclass in Composure
With 9:15 left, Houston led 92-87. It felt like the Rockets were about to extend their winning streak to six. But then came the Nuggets’ 20-9 run. Jamal Murray hit a step-back three. Tim Hardaway Jr. buried a corner jumper. Jokić fed him twice in a row — one of those passes was so subtle, you’d miss it if you blinked.
With 5.2 seconds left, Smith Jr. drained a three from the left wing to make it 110-109. The arena roared. The Rockets’ bench stood. Even the broadcasters paused.
Then came the timeout. Denver called it. No panic. No huddling. Just Jokić, standing near the sideline, nodding to the coach. He knew what was coming.
“He’s not just the best player in the league,” said former All-Star Charles Barkley on TNT’s postgame analysis. “He’s the only one who can turn a 1-point game into a 3-point win with two free throws and zero expression on his face.”
Amazon Prime Video’s Big Night
This wasn’t just a basketball game — it was a milestone for streaming. The matchup was broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., marking one of the most-watched NBA regular-season games on the platform to date. Viewership spiked 140% compared to last year’s Nuggets-Rockets matchup. The league’s decision to move this game to streaming — instead of traditional TV — paid off. According to internal data from Amazon, over 3.2 million unique streams were recorded, with 89% of viewers watching live.
YouTube channels like Swish NBA and the NBA’s official channel dropped highlight packages within hours. The NBA’s 7-minute, 50-second clip titled “Final 3:32 WILD ENDING Rockets vs Nuggets | November 21, 2025” quickly became the most-shared NBA video of the week.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Denver, the win improved their record to 12-3 — the best in the Western Conference. They’re now 2-1 in NBA Cup play, with their next test coming on November 28, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena. Jokić is averaging 28.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 8.9 assists this season — on pace for his fourth straight MVP-caliber campaign.
For Houston, the loss snapped a five-game winning streak. They’re now 10-4 overall, but their NBA Cup hopes are slipping. Their final Cup game — against the Golden State Warriors on November 26 — might as well be a must-win. Sheppard’s breakout performance (27 points, 5 threes) is a sign the Rockets’ youth movement is real. But they still lack the late-game poise of a true contender.
Shooting Stats and Key Numbers
- Denver Nuggets: 53% FG (44-of-83), 38% from three (7-of-18), 18-of-21 FT
- Houston Rockets: 44% FG (38-of-87), 36% from three (9-of-25), 14-of-17 FT
- Denver outscored Houston 66-48 in the second half
- Jokić’s 34 points were the most by a Nuggets player this season
- Sheppard’s 27 points were the highest by a Rockets rookie since 2021
What’s Next?
Denver’s next game is a home date with San Antonio on November 28 — a chance to extend their lead in the Northwest Division. Meanwhile, Houston heads to Chase Center to face the Warriors, who are riding a four-game win streak of their own. If the Rockets want to make the NBA Cup playoffs, they need to win that game. And they need Sheppard to keep playing like a star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this game only on Amazon Prime Video?
The NBA has been testing exclusive streaming partnerships for select regular-season games to expand digital reach. This matchup was part of Amazon’s exclusive package for the 2025-26 season, targeting younger, cord-cutting audiences. It was the first time a Nuggets-Rockets game aired exclusively on a streaming platform in the U.S., with no local TV broadcast — a bold move that paid off with record viewership.
How does Jokić’s performance compare to other NBA stars this season?
Through 15 games, Jokić is averaging 28.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 8.9 assists — the only player in the league to top 28/10/8. No other player has recorded three 30-point, 10-rebound, 9-assist games this season. His efficiency (62% true shooting) rivals legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but his playmaking volume is unmatched. He’s the only center in NBA history to have five 30-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist games in a single season.
Is Reed Sheppard’s breakout sustainable?
Sheppard’s 27-point night was his first career 25-point game, and his shooting efficiency (54% FG, 57% from three) against Denver’s elite defense suggests he’s more than a flash in the pan. Scouts note his quick release and decision-making under pressure. But he’s still a rookie — he’ll face tougher defensive schemes as teams adjust. If he maintains this pace, he could be a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Why did the Rockets struggle in the second half?
Houston’s offense stalled after halftime because Denver switched to a more aggressive defensive scheme — switching screens on nearly every pick-and-roll. That disrupted the rhythm of Sheppard and Şengün, who rely on space. The Nuggets also forced 11 turnovers in the second half, compared to just 3 in the first. Jokić’s ability to anchor the defense and rotate quickly was the difference-maker.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup for these teams?
The NBA Cup is a new tournament within the regular season, with group play determining playoff seeding. Denver is 2-1 and likely to advance, while Houston is 1-2 and needs a win against Golden State to even qualify. The top two teams from each group earn a bye into the knockout rounds. For Houston, this game isn’t just about pride — it’s about postseason opportunity.
Can Amazon Prime Video become a major NBA broadcaster?
Absolutely. With over 3 million viewers for this game and growing engagement among 18-34-year-olds, Amazon has proven it can draw a massive audience. The league’s next broadcast deal (starting in 2026) may include more exclusive streaming windows. If Amazon keeps delivering high-quality production and exclusive content — like behind-the-scenes access and alternate camera angles — it could rival ESPN and TNT in influence.