The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 119-105, at Spectrum Center on Saturday night.

The Nuggets (39-18) came into the night looking to atone for a disappointing Thursday night loss to an inferior team in the Orlando Magic, but early on, they appeared to still be on the same track against the Hornets (15-43). Denver surprisingly trailed 34-27 after one, but Mike Malone's squad had cut its deficit to three points by halftime. However, the visitors truly changed the dynamic of the game in the third quarter when they outscored Charlotte, 37-23, during the third quarter. The 11-point lead they entered the final period with was never in danger and would only grow larger, leading to a comfortable road victory.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 30-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope furnished 15 points, five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Bruce Brown and Michael Porter supplied matching 14-point tallies while recording five assists and six rebounds, respectively. Vlatko Cancar registered 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jeff Green supplied 10 points, four boards and two assists.

P.J. Washington paced the Hornets with 22 points, adding four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Gordon Hayward went for 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. LaMelo Ball generated an 18-point, 12-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and two steals. Dennis Smith provided 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Terry Rozier managed 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals.

The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Monday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night as well.