Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets remained undaunted against the defending champions, and despite a generational performance from Nikola Jokic, it wasn’t sufficient to secure a victory for the Denver Nuggets, resulting in a 107-104 defeat. Jokic’s remarkable consistency in nightly performances often leads to the understatement of his greatness, with this new feat placing him in the company of basketball legends like Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain.

Nikola Jokic achieved his 10th game with 30 points, 15+ rebounds, and 10+ assists, a feat recorded in NBA history. He now shares this elite status with legends Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain, both having accomplished this stat line 10 times. The Big O leads the list with 29 such performances scattered throughout his illustrious career, while Chamberlain is second with 20 instances.

Jokic exerted himself to the fullest for the Nuggets in pursuit of victory. His remarkable performance included 36 points and 11 assists, showcasing his offensive prowess. An astonishing 21 rebounds further highlighted his dominance, accumulating in 38 minutes of playing time. However, these efforts were insufficient against a Rockets team that appeared to be in sync with their impressive hot streak.

Fred VanVleet spearheaded the scoring onslaught against the Nuggets with 26 points, while Alperen Sengun proved valuable across all facets of the game. Sengun contributed 23 points and five assists, bolstering the team’s offense, and secured eight rebounds to round out his impactful performance.

In the grand scheme, losing by three points to a team with a blazing hot streak shouldn’t trouble the Nuggets. They have demonstrated resilience in facing various challenges, much like their experiences from the previous year.