What's Happening?
The Charlotte Hornets triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a decisive 110-87 victory on January 18, 2026. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 23 points, while Tidjane Salaun contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds
off the bench. The Hornets dominated the game, establishing a significant lead early on and maintaining it throughout. The Nuggets, missing key players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon due to injuries, struggled to keep up, resulting in one of their most lopsided losses of the season. Jamal Murray was the top scorer for the Nuggets with 16 points, ending his streak of three consecutive games scoring over 30 points.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the Charlotte Hornets as it marks a strong performance against a top Western Conference team, despite the Nuggets' injury challenges. The win improves the Hornets' record to 16-27, providing a morale boost and potential momentum as they continue their season. For the Nuggets, the loss highlights the impact of missing key players, which could affect their standings and performance in upcoming games. The game also underscores the Hornets' ability to capitalize on opponents' weaknesses, a crucial skill for their future matchups.
What's Next?
The Charlotte Hornets will return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, aiming to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets will host the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to recover from this defeat and adjust their strategy to compensate for their injured players. Both teams will need to reassess their tactics and player rotations to optimize performance in their upcoming games.
