This game had some playoff implications and it felt like a playoff atmosphere. It was close throughout, as there were 16 ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than eight points. Free-throw shooting was key for Houston, as they went 28 - of - 35 from the charity stripe, while the Nuggets went 19 - of - 30. James Harden was the star, as he accumulated 40 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Clint Capela finished second on the team, amassing 16 points and eight rebounds. Nene Hilario came off the bench to provide 14 points and seven rebounds. Jameer Nelson was the Nugget's best player, as he collected 15 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Nikola Jokic amassed 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Gary Harris produced 17 points and six rebounds. Jamal Murray, Kenneth Faried and Will Barton all scored in double figures off the bench.
["PlayerStat(G,'Clint Capela') has 16 Assists ,has 8 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'James Harden') has 10 Assists ,has 40 Points ,has 10 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Nene') has 14 Assists ,has 7 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Nikola Jokic') has 4 Assists ,has 16 Points ,has 5 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Gary Harris') has 17 Assists ,has 6 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Jameer Nelson') has 11 Assists ,has 15 Points ,has 7 Total rebounds ."]