Nuggets Beat Nets 107-103 in Porter's Return to Denver

Jamal Murray scores 9 points in final 2:26 to lead Nuggets over former teammate Michael Porter Jr. and the Nets.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The Denver Nuggets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 107-103 on Thursday night, spoiling the return of former Nugget Michael Porter Jr. to Denver. Jamal Murray scored 9 of his 27 points in the final 2:26 to lead the Nuggets, while Porter had a season-high 38 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who have lost 7 straight games.

Why it matters

This game marked the first time Michael Porter Jr. faced his former team, the Nuggets, since being traded to the Nets in the offseason. Porter was a key part of the Nuggets' 2023 NBA championship team, and his return to Denver was highly anticipated by fans.

The details

The Nuggets built a 15-point halftime lead, but the Nets erased the deficit in the third quarter to make it a close game down the stretch. Jamal Murray hit a clutch turnaround jumper, converted a 3-point play, and made a pair of free throws in the final 2:26 to seal the win for Denver. Tim Hardaway Jr. tied a season-high with 7 3-pointers and scored 25 points for the Nuggets, while Peyton Watson added 19 points off the bench.

  • The game was played on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Jamal Murray

A starting guard for the Denver Nuggets who scored 27 points, including 9 in the final 2:26, to lead his team to victory.

Michael Porter Jr.

A former Nuggets player who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason. He scored a season-high 38 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his return to Denver.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

A Nuggets player who tied a season-high with 7 3-pointers and scored 25 points in the win.

Peyton Watson

A Nuggets player who scored 19 points off the bench.

Ziaire Williams

A Nets player who was sidelined with a left calf contusion suffered in a scuffle at the end of Tuesday's loss at Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game highlighted the continued rivalry between the Nuggets and Nets, as well as the impact of Michael Porter Jr.'s departure from Denver. The Nuggets were able to hold off their former teammate and secure the victory, showcasing their depth and resilience despite key injuries.