Multiple rallies from the Hornets on Tuesday fell short as the Nuggets handed Charlotte a third loss in the last four games, 117-112.
The Hornets fell behind 21 points in the first quarter behind fast starts from Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter, Jr. As quickly as they fell behind, they bounced back, though, as they eventually cut the lead to two points in the second period and only three points at the halftime break, 63-60.
The third quarter saw the Nuggets maintain control of the game and eventually build the lead to double digits once more early in the fourth quarter. Devonte’ Graham, though, then rattled off a string of 14-straight points for Charlotte to pull the hosts into the game one last time.
In the end, though, Graham’s heroics would not be enough as Denver held on late for the win. Graham did finish with 31 points, 19 of those coming in the fourth. Terry Rozier had 21 and Cody Zeller and Jalen McDaniels each had 15.
