Nuggets' offensive power outage continues in Houston

The Nuggets don’t typically have to worry about their offense as long as Nikola Jokic is in the lineup. But that hasn’t been the case over Denver’s last three outings, and the Nuggets’ lack of offensive execution continued in Houston.

The Rockets pummeled the Nuggets Thursday 112-85. James Harden (38 points on 10-22 shooting, 5-11 from three) navigated a Nuggets’ defense that threw a variety of looks and bodies his way. Harden also tallied six assists, many of which went to Clint Capela, who finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

The Nuggets’ defense wasn’t up to par all night, but Denver’s inability to find an offensive punch stuck out like a sore thumb.

After outplaying the Rockets in the first quarter and leading 25-22 after 12 minutes of play, the Nuggets went ice cold. Denver shot just 7-21 from the field in the second quarter when it was outscored 40-19 and Houston initially gained separation. The Nuggets could never recover after one Rockets three after another buried Denver. Houston shot 46 percent from the field and 15-40 (38.5 percent) from three in the win.

The Nuggets have now failed to reach the 100-point mark in their last three games. It’s the first time all season that Denver has gone three games without cracking the century mark. The Nuggets are shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 18-80 (22.5 percent) from three over their last three contests.

Jamal Murray scored a team-high 20 points on 7-14 shooting. Jokic added 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Monte Morris chipped in 16 points off the bench.

Eric Gordon chipped in 18 points for Houston. Austin Rivers added 15 more off the bench on 6-9 shooting.

As a team, the Nuggets shot just 36.9 percent from the field and 4-24 from three.

With the win, the Rockets clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Nuggets and move to three games back of Denver for the second seed in the West.

The Nuggets visit the Thunder Friday.