The Chicago Bulls stunned the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, pulling off a dramatic 130-127 victory that snapped Denver’s perfect home record and ended Chicago’s own five-game skid. In a game packed with momentum swings, clutch shooting, and a near-heroic effort from Nikola Jokic, the Bulls found just enough magic to escape the Mile High City with a win.
Bulls Survive Jokic’s Triple-Double Barrage
Nikola Jokic, Denver’s reigning MVP, delivered another monster performance with 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists—his eighth triple-double of the season. He was so dominant that he nearly reached the triple-double mark by halftime. Jamal Murray poured in 34 points, including 18 in a furious fourth-quarter rally, and Aaron Gordon added 24 for the Nuggets.
But the Bulls, who looked anything but tired after a double-overtime loss in Utah the night before, refused to fold. Chicago built an 18-point first-half lead, watched it evaporate, then rebuilt a 13-point cushion in the fourth—only to see Denver storm back again. The Nuggets had a chance to tie at the buzzer, but Jokic’s final shot rimmed out, sealing the Bulls’ win.
Huerter and Vucevic Deliver in the Clutch
The game’s defining moments came in the final 90 seconds. Kevin Huerter drilled a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:25 left, and Nikola Vucevic followed with another dagger from deep with just 33 seconds remaining. Those shots proved decisive, as Denver’s last-gasp efforts fell short.
Ayo Dosunmu and Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 21 points apiece, with Giddey also grabbing 14 rebounds. Chicago’s bench was a revelation, outscoring Denver’s reserves by a staggering 66-9 margin—a key factor in the upset.
Nuggets’ Streak Ends, Bulls Find Hope
Denver’s loss snapped a seven-game winning streak and marked their first defeat at home this season. The Nuggets were also missing key shooting guard Christian Braun due to a left ankle injury, thinning their rotation at a crucial moment.
For Chicago, the win was a much-needed morale boost after a brutal stretch. The Bulls improved to 7-6 on the season, while the Nuggets dropped to 10-3 but remain among the Western Conference’s elite.
What’s Next?
The Bulls will look to build on this momentum as they return home, while the Nuggets aim to regroup and get healthy. With Jokic playing at an MVP level and the Bulls showing unexpected resilience, both teams remain must-watch as the NBA season heats up.
Key Takeaways:- Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak and Denver’s home win streak.
- Jokic posted his eighth triple-double but missed the game-tying shot at the buzzer.
- Chicago’s bench outscored Denver’s 66-9.
- Huerter and Vucevic hit clutch threes in the final minute.
NBA fans, keep your eyes on these two squads—if this game is any indication, the season’s drama is just getting started.
Sources
1. Chicago Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets Live Score and Stats - CBS Sports
2. 2025 NPD Winter Program Guide - FlippingBook
3. BULLS at NUGGETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube
4. [PDF] New councilman hosts tribal member meeting FREE Pena paces ...
5. Final 5:09 WILD ENDING Nuggets vs Bulls | November 17, 2025
6. Sports Betting Lines Online | Best Betting Scores and Odds - Lines ...
7. 2024 Winter Program Guide - FlippingBook