In a contest that defined the term "resilience," the Denver Nuggets managed to secure a stunning 102-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Despite missing nearly their entire starting lineup and losing another key piece mid-game, Denver relied on a season-high performance from second-year guard Julian Strawther to fend off a furious late-game rally by a struggling Milwaukee squad.
Julian Strawther Shines in Nuggets vs Bucks Matchup
With three-time MVP Nikola Jokic sidelined since late December and stars Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson also out, the Nuggets entered Fiserv Forum as heavy underdogs. However, Julian Strawther seized the opportunity, scoring a season-high 20 points to lead the charge. Strawther’s efficiency and poise were the backbone of a Denver offense that looked surprisingly fluid for a group missing so much firepower.
Strawther wasn't alone in the effort. The Nuggets' depth was on full display as Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 17 points, and Bruce Brown added 15. Perhaps most impressive was the play of Jalen Pickett, who tallied 13 points and 7 assists while orchestrating the offense in high-pressure moments. Zeke Nnaji also anchored the interior with a double-double, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds.
A Tale of Two Halves: Denver’s Dominance and Milwaukee’s Rally
The Nuggets vs Bucks game appeared to be a blowout early in the fourth quarter. Denver utilized a disciplined defensive approach to build a massive 23-point lead, leading 86-63 with just 10:30 remaining in the game. The Bucks, however, finally found their rhythm behind an unexpected spark from Ryan Rollins.
Rollins scored 15 of his 21 points in the final frame, spearheading a 20-4 run that brought the Milwaukee crowd back to life. With 29.3 seconds left, Rollins buried a deep three-pointer to cut the lead to 99-97. After Hardaway Jr. iced two free throws to push the lead back to four, Rollins hit another triple with 5.4 seconds remaining to make it a 101-100 game. Denver’s Pickett was fouled and split his free throws, leaving the door open for Milwaukee. Kyle Kuzma grabbed the rebound and launched a desperation heave from just past midcourt, but the ball clanked off the front rim as the buzzer sounded.
Injury Concerns Mount for Both Sides
While the victory was a morale booster for Denver, it came at a high cost. Forward Aaron Gordon, who had 13 points and 6 rebounds in a dominant first half, did not return for the second half after suffering a right hamstring strain. This adds to a staggering injury list for the Nuggets that already includes Jokic (knee bone bruise), Murray (hamstring and hip inflammation), Watson (ankle sprain), and Jonas Valanciunas (calf strain).
The Bucks had their own health scares. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists but appeared hampered throughout the night. He played with his lower right leg wrapped and eventually left the game with 34 seconds remaining. The loss marks the fifth defeat in six games for Milwaukee, a slide that has prompted public frustration from their superstar leader regarding the team's chemistry and effort.
Milwaukee Bucks' Growing Pains Continue
For the Bucks, this loss highlights a deepening slump. Despite a roster featuring Antetokounmpo, Kuzma, and Myles Turner (who scored 17 points), Milwaukee struggled to execute against a Denver lineup composed mostly of bench players and reserve starters. The inability to close the gap until the final minutes raised questions about the team's defensive consistency and offensive flow.
Denver now moves forward with a winning streak intact but a roster that is historically thin. As they head to Memphis for their next matchup, the Nuggets will continue to look for players like Strawther and Pickett to punch above their weight class while their superstars recover.
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