The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 129-116, at Ball Arena on Saturday.

While the Nuggets didn't necessarily win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, they led by 10 points after the first quarter and carried a 22-point lead into the half. The Rockets never got within 13 points after that lopsided first half which happened to be the final spread. Denver ended up shooting 60 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 50 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. In addition, the Nuggets out-blocked the Rockets, 8-1, while out-assisting them, 36-27.

The Rockets (15-46) had to play this game without John Wall and Christian Wood, with D.J. Wilson leading the team with 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Kelly Olynyk collected 21 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. KJ Martin had 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals while Anthony Lamb led the bench with 21 points.

The Nuggets (39-21) got a career-best 39 points from Michael Porter Jr, providing six rebounds, two assists and three blocks on 13-of-21 from the field. Nikola Jokic generated 24 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. P.J. Dozier accumulated 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Those three combined to shoot 33-of-48 from the field.

Denver returns to action on Monday, staying home to face the surging Memphis Grizzlies. As for Houston, their next game is on Tuesday when they play the Minnesota Timberwolves at home.