The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-112, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night.

The Nuggets (45-24) entered the contest as clear road favorites, and they demonstrated why in a first quarter they emerged from with a 38-26 lead. However, the Hornets (33-36) surged right back before halftime, eliminating all but three points from their deficit before intermission. Ultimately, Denver held just a five-point edge going into the final period, and although Charlotte made several pushes late, the visitors were able to notch a hard-fought win.

Michael Porter, Jr. and Nikola Jokic co-led the Nuggets with 30 points while pulling down six and 11 rebounds, respectively. Aaron Gordon furnished 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. JaMychal Green delivered 11 points, three boards, two assists and one block.

Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Terry Rozier supplied 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Cody Zeller and Jalen McDaniels produced matching 15-point tallies, with Zeller also recording 10 boards. P.J. Washington generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four steals and three blocks.

The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.