A thrilling NBA encounter unfolded on January 23, 2026, as the Denver Nuggets faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite being short-handed, the Nuggets showcased their resilience and emerged victorious with a final score of 102-100.
The game witnessed an incredible comeback attempt by the Bucks, who trailed by a substantial 23 points with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Ryan Rollins' clutch 3-pointer with less than 30 seconds on the clock brought Milwaukee within striking distance, narrowing the gap to a mere two points.
In a tense finish, Tim Hardaway Jr. stepped up for the Nuggets, sinking two free throws to extend their lead to four points. But Rollins wasn't done yet, draining another 3 to make it a one-point game with just over five seconds left.
Jalen Pickett was then fouled, and while he converted the first free throw, his miss on the second attempt left the door slightly ajar for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma grabbed the rebound and launched a last-ditch effort from beyond midcourt, but it rimmed out, sealing the win for the Nuggets.
Rollins' heroics in the fourth quarter, where he scored 15 of his 21 points, almost single-handedly kept the Bucks in contention. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, appeared to be hampered by a lower right leg injury, which ultimately saw him exit the game with 34 seconds remaining.
The Nuggets' victory was even more impressive considering they were without their three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, who has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee since December 29. Additionally, Aaron Gordon left the game with a right hamstring strain, joining other key players like Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas on the sidelines. Watson, in particular, had put up an impressive 35 points the previous night in a win against the Washington Wizards.
For the Bucks, it was their fifth loss in six games, with Kevin Porter Jr. missing his second consecutive game due to an oblique strain. AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. were also absent due to illnesses.
As the NBA season continues, the Nuggets will look to build on their momentum when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bucks will aim to bounce back as they host the Dallas Mavericks in their next fixture.
