What's Happening?
The Charlotte Hornets secured a decisive 110-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets 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 capitalized on the absence of key Nuggets players, including Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, who were sidelined due to injuries. The Nuggets, missing five of their top eight scorers, struggled offensively, recording season lows in points and 3-point percentage. The Hornets dominated early, establishing a 29-11 lead and extending it to 60-34 by halftime. Jamal Murray was the top scorer for the Nuggets with 16 points.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the Charlotte Hornets as it breaks a challenging streak against the Denver Nuggets, against whom they had a poor record in recent matchups. The win also highlights the Hornets' ability to capitalize on opportunities presented by the Nuggets' injury woes. For the Nuggets, the game underscores the impact of missing key players, as their offensive capabilities were severely hampered. The result affects the standings and momentum for both teams, with the Hornets gaining confidence and the Nuggets needing to reassess strategies in the absence of their star players.
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 loss and improve their performance despite ongoing injury challenges. Both teams will need to adjust their strategies to address their respective challenges and capitalize on upcoming opportunities.
