1. Denver Nuggets at Rockets, Dec. 31
James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 63 points and 13 assists as the Rockets (23-11) crushed the visiting Nuggets (23-10) on New Year’s Eve in Houston, 130-104.
Denver cut Houston’s 17-point halftime lead to just three points after the third quarter, but the Rockets put them away with a dominant 38-15 closing period at Toyota Center.
Both Harden and Westbrook shot 50% or better from the field, headlined by Harden’s 6-of-9 showing (66.7%) from 3-point range. Harden had 35 points, while Westbrook poured in 28 on 11-of-22 shooting.
Based on standings at the time of the NBA’s current hiatus, the No. 6 Rockets are currently on course to face the No. 3 Nuggets in the first round of the 2020 playoffs (should the season resume). Needless to say, Houston fans are hoping the Dec. 31 result becomes the template.