The Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-105, at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.

Both teams opened the game with some efficient shooting, with the Rockets (27-16) emerging from the first quarter having established a 35-28 lead. However, Houston upped its defensive efforts in the second, extending their advantage to 17 points by limiting the Nuggets (30-14) to just 15 during the period. Ultimately, the hosts took a 21-point edge into the final period, leading to a comfortable home win.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 19-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Jerami Grant delivered 17 points, seven boards, one assist, three steals and two blocks. P.J. Dozier turned in 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Malik Beasley posted 12 points, while Monte Morris managed 11 points, three assists, two rebounds and three steals.

Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with a 28-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, four steals and one block. James Harden followed with 27 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Eric Gordon poured in 25 points. Clint Capela pitched in with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Austin Rivers registered 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals.

The Nuggets pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, while the Rockets travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night as well.