The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 119-115, at Ball Arena on Sunday.

There were only four ties and seven lead changes in this game, with Denver maintaining the lead for the entirety of the second half. They actually outscored Charlotte, 35-27, in the second quarter to take a lead and took command of the game behind a 39-28 third quarter. They got their lead up to 16 points at times, with the Hornets never attempting a game-tying shot in the second half. The Nuggets shot 46 percent from the field while holding the Hornets below 43 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Charlotte, 33-26.

The Hornets (7-23) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 31 points, five rebounds and five assists. Gordon Hayward had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Mason Plumlee generated 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 16 points, two assists and two steals.

The Nuggets (18-11) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 40 points, 27 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 19 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, while Bruce Brown totaled 16 points and four assists. Jamal Murray missed nine of his 11 shots but led the team with 11 assists.

Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Sacramento Kings. As for Denver, they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday for their next outing.