The Denver Nuggets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-108 on Jan. 23, 2026, at the Fiserv Forum. Nikola Jokic posted 28 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists, while Jamal Murray returned from injury to add 22 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 30 points and 11 rebounds, but Denver’s depth and clutch free throws in the final minute secured the win and kept the Nuggets at 30‑15.
Game Recap
The matchup turned into a back‑and‑forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads through the first three quarters. Denver shot 48.5% from the field and 38% from three‑point range, outpacing Milwaukee’s 44.2% and 33% respectively. The decisive moment arrived in the final minute when Jokic drew a foul, sank two free throws to break a 108‑108 tie, and Denver forced a turnover that led to a fast‑break dunk by Michael Porter Jr., sealing the victory.
Nuggets’ Key Performances
- Nikola Jokic – 28 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists; dominated the paint and delivered clutch free throws.
- Jamal Murray – 22 points, 5 assists; returned from a right‑ankle sprain and hit a go‑ahead three‑pointer with 2:13 left.
- Michael Porter Jr. – fast‑break dunk in the final seconds that capped the win.
- Bench Contribution – Forward Christian Wood and guard Monte Morris combined for 28 points, providing essential depth.
Bucks’ Efforts
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 30 points, 11 rebounds; recorded a double‑double despite missing his usual backup.
- Khris Middleton – 24 points, 6 assists; kept Milwaukee competitive throughout the game.
- Rookie Guard Jaden McDaniels – 8 points in 15 minutes, stepping up amid a thin bench.
- Bench Output – Only 14 points, highlighting a depth disadvantage.
Impact of Injuries
Both squads entered the contest with notable absences. Denver listed Jamal Murray (ankle) and forward Aaron Gordon (groin) as questionable; Murray’s return proved pivotal, while Gordon remained sidelined. Guard Kent Bazemore rested with a minor hamstring strain.
Milwaukee dealt with a longer injury list: point guard Jrue Holiday (strained hamstring) was out before tip‑off, and forward Bobby Portis missed the game with a lingering back issue. Backup center Brook Lopez (shoulder) and forward Jae‑Sean McMillan (knee) also sat out. The depleted bench forced the Bucks to rely heavily on their starters and limited reserves, contributing to the narrow loss.
Implications for Playoff Race
Denver’s win solidifies its position as a top‑four seed contender in the Western Conference. At 30‑15, the Nuggets sit just two games behind the league‑leading Phoenix Suns and maintain a comfortable cushion above the play‑in threshold. The victory also boosts confidence heading into a back‑to‑back road trip against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, both fighting for playoff positioning.
For Milwaukee, the loss leaves the Bucks at 18‑25, still near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, the close contest against a premier Western team demonstrates the squad’s potential if health returns. The Bucks must accelerate the recovery of key players like Holiday and Portis to improve their chances of escaping the play‑in zone, with a pivotal home game against the New York Knicks on Jan. 27.
Bottom Line
The Nuggets‑Bucks showdown delivered high‑octane offense, clutch performances, and a nail‑biting finish. Denver’s ability to overcome early adversity and execute in the final minute reaffirms its status as a legitimate championship contender. Milwaukee’s narrow defeat underscores the urgency of returning injured players to the lineup if the team hopes to climb out of the play‑in scramble and contend for a deeper playoff run.
