Short-Handed Houston Rockets Fall to Denver Nuggets, Road Losing Streak Reaches Seven

The Houston Rockets dropped another road game, marking their seventh to open the 2023-24 season.

The Houston Rockets began their three-game road trip as the only team in the league that has yet to win a game on the road. And following their 134-124 loss to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night, the Rockets are still the only team in the league who is winless away from their home court.

As soon as Michael Porter Jr. began the game with a 3-point field goal assisted by Nikola Jokić, it was clear that the Rockets were in for a long night. Porter's triple led to a finger roll layup by Jokić a few possessions later. And after the Nuggets took control of a quick five-point advantage, Denver never relinquished the lead.

A horrific first quarter led to the Rockets trailing the Nuggets 41-26 entering the second period. And following the first 24 minutes, Houston trailed 76-59 entering the halftime break.

Jokić recorded his third consecutive 30-point game against the Rockets. He finished with 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. Porter registered 30 points on 11 of 17 shooting, 7 of 12 from behind the arc. He also added 10 rebounds and five assists.

The third quarter marked the only period the Rockets tried to make an improbable comeback. Behind a 19-point quarter from Jalen Green, the Rockets outscored the Nuggets 38-32, which led to Houston cutting their once 19-point deficit to 11. 

Green finished with a team-best 26 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Alperen Şengün scored 22 points and seven rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points and seven rebounds in the loss.

Jamal Murray returned from an 11-game absence for the Nuggets. He added 14 points, five assists and five rebounds in the win. Reggie Jackson came off the bench and added a dozen points in 24 minutes.

By falling to the Nuggets, the Rockets dropped their seventh consecutive road game while extending their losing streak inside Ball Arena to 10. 

Rockets guard Jalen Green drives to the net against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at Ball Arena / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets were without JaeSean Tate and Fred VanVleet:

The Rockets were extremely short-handed against the Nuggets. In addition to the absence of Amen Thompson, the Rockets were also without Jae'Sean Tate and Fred VanVleet. Left knee soreness forced Tate to miss his first game of the season, while a sprained left thumb sidelined VanVleet.

Up Next:

The Rockets will close their three-game road trip Saturday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result of their In-Season Tournament elimination, the Rockets will return to the Toyota Center Wednesday night for their first regular-season meeting against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off between the Rockets and Lakers is slated for 9:30 p.m. CDT.

Rockets to Face Thunder, Nuggets After Tournament Elimination