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Denver Nuggets pick up a massive statement win against the Rockets

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 01: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 01: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on February 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets had a nine-game losing streak to the Houston Rockets. They obliterated that streak to start February 2019.

The Denver Nuggets took care of the Houston Rockets on the first day of February, picking up a 136-122 win. Denver hadn’t beaten Houston since a 114-108 home win on December 14, 2015.

With Jamal Murray out with an ankle injury and Gary Harris joining him with an injured groin, the Nuggets were missing their starting backcourt. They needed role players to step up to guide them to a victory, and they got outstanding performances by three players who usually play a reserve role.

Malik Beasley scored a career high 35 points on 12-17 shooting, including 5-9 from three point land. He played with constant energy, throwing down massive dunk after massive dunk and proving that he deserves to play heavy minutes down the stretch.

Monte Morris also impressed in a starting role for the second game in a row, following up his 20 point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday with a 18 point night against Houston, also contributing six rebounds and eight assists.

Torrey Craig was practically unstoppable all night, pouring in a career high 22 points on 8-11 shooting and 2-4 from three point range. Like Beasley, he was dunking all over the place, but perhaps his greatest contribution was the phenomenal defense he played on James Harden throughout the game.

Denver struggled to contain Harden in the first quarter, as he picked them apart to the tune of 15 points. However, over the remaining three periods, Harden was held to just 15 more points. The difference? Craig. He was constantly closing out on Harden, and didn’t give into his foul-drawing tactics.

Nikola Jokic also had another amazing game, falling just short of another triple double by pouring in 31 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists.

Next. Nikola Jokic becomes Nuggets' first All Star since 2011. dark

This was a much needed win for the Nuggets. They needed to get over the Houston hump and they did just that in emphatic fashion. Denver came to play, they played hard, and they never let up.

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