DENVER — Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds for the 42nd triple-double of his career, and the Denver Nuggets beat the short-handed Houston Rockets 124-111 on Monday night for their first win of the season.
Jamal Murray added 21 points before leaving with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter after a collision in traffic sent him sprawling to the floor. He held his hand to his head as he laid on the floor for a couple of minutes but got up and walked under his own power to the locker room for further examination. He was back on the bench midway through the fourth but did not re-enter the game.
James Harden had 34 points to lead undermanned Houston. Christian Wood added 23.
JONATHAN FEIGEN ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Shorthanded Rockets blasted by Nuggets
The Rockets have opened the season without key components of their roster, including John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon and Mason Jones, who remain away from the team due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Houston dressed nine players against the Nuggets and was coming off a two-point overtime loss at Portland in the season opener Saturday.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, shoots over Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden confers with coach Stephen Silas during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, looks to pass the ball as Houston Rockets guard Sterling Brown defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. The Nuggets won 124-111. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets takes the ball to the basket against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets takes the ball to the basket against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Monte Morris #11 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Sterling Brown #0 the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets takes the ball to the basket against Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Jamal Murray #27of the Denver Nuggets drives against David Nwaba #2 of the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Danuel House Jr #4 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets is attended to after being injured against the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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Houston Rockets guard James Harden, left, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guards Will Barton, center, and Jamal Murray defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets center Isaiah Hartenstein, front, reaches out to recover a loose ball in front of Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate, back left, and Denver guard Monte Morris during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. The Nuggets won 124-111. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton, front right, swats away the ball next to Houston Rockets forwards Christian Wood, back right, and Danuel House Jr., as Denver guard PJ Dozier watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton shoots next to Houston Rockets guard David Nwaba during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, back, shoots for a basket over Houston Rockets guard James Harden in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, drives past Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Houston Rockets forward Danuel House Jr., center right, drives to the net while surrounded by, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, guard Jamal Murray, back, and forward Michael Porter Jr. in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, top right, pulls in a rebound as Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood defends, while Denver forwards Paul Millsap, front, and Michael Porter Jr. follow the play during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood drives as Denver Nuggets forwards Michael Porter Jr., front left, and Paul Millsap defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives against P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot over Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Michael Porter Jr #1 of the Denver Nuggets drives against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic drives against Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Michael Porter Jr #1 of the Denver Nuggets drives against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 28: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets drives against David Nwaba #2 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2020 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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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, shoots over Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., left, is defended by Houston Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, struggles to hold onto the ball as Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic appeals to the referees after being called for a charging foul against Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, left, argues a call with referee Derek Richardson during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Houston Rockets guard James Harden jumps against the padded standard that holds the backboard before the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., right, drives as Houston Rockets guard James Harden defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas gestures during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski/Associated PressHarden put on a show in the second quarter, scoring 21 points and connecting on three 3-pointers, but the Rockets still trailed 70-60 at halftime. Jokic and Murray combined for 36 points in the first half to help spark the Nuggets' offense, which had struggled during an 0-2 start.
The Rockets pulled to 87-79 on a dunk by Jae’Sean Tate with 5:33 left in the third but the Nuggets closed out the period with a 19-4 run. Paul Millsap touched off the flurry with a 3-pointer off a feed from Jokic.
Denver maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.
TIP-INS
Rockets: On a pregame Zoom call, coach Stephen Silas said he was hopeful most if not all the players either quarantining or self-isolating would be able to emerge from the health protocols and rejoin the team by mid-week. "Wednesday’s practice is an important practice, getting these guys back in and getting the group on the same page,” Silas said.
Nuggets: F JaMychal Green, who left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Nuggets in free agency during the offseason, remains sidelined by a left calf strain. He missed a third straight game but is getting closer to making his Denver debut, resuming practice in a limited fashion.
UP NEXT
Rockets: Host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in their first home game of the season. Houston’s scheduled home opener last week against Oklahoma City was postponed after COVID-19 quarantine protocols depleted the Rockets’ roster below the eight players required by the NBA to play a game.
Nuggets: Complete a back-to-back set with their first road game Tuesday night at Sacramento, which handed Denver a 124-122 overtime loss in Wednesday’s season opener.
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Nikola Jokic's triple-double leads Nuggets past Rockets - Chron
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