Hornets Triumph Over Nuggets 110-87: January 19, 2026 Game Recap
The Charlotte Hornets secured a dominant victory over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 110-87 on January 19, 2026. This game marked a successful outing for the Hornets, showcasing their offensive prowess against a shorthanded Nuggets team.
Key Players Shine for the Hornets
Brandon Miller led the scoring for Charlotte, contributing 23 points. He has been on an upward trajectory, averaging 25.7 points in the last three games. Notable performances also came from:
- Tidjane Salaun: 13 points and 11 rebounds
- Ryan Kalkbrenner: 17 points and six rebounds
- Collin Sexton: 14 points and five assists
- LaMelo Ball: 10 points, six assists, and three steals
Nuggets Struggle Without Key Players
The Denver Nuggets faced significant challenges, missing five of their top eight scorers. Injuries kept center Nikola Jokic, forward Aaron Gordon, forward Cameron Johnson, guard Christian Braun, and center Jonas Valanciunas out of the lineup. Collectively, these players contribute an average of 77.3 points per game.
- Nikola Jokic: Bone bruise in left knee
- Aaron Gordon: Right hamstring strain
- Cameron Johnson: Bone bruise in right knee
- Christian Braun: Left ankle sprain
- Jonas Valanciunas: Right calf strain
Game Highlights
The Hornets jumped out to a quick 29-11 lead and maintained significant control throughout the game, ending the first half with a 60-34 advantage. Miller’s hot shooting, including four three-pointers in the first half, set the tone for Charlotte’s performance. The team’s lead swelled to as much as 33 points during the second half of the game.
Nuggets’ Scoring Woes
Denver struggled offensively, recording season lows with only 87 points and shooting just 21.1% from beyond the arc. Jamal Murray managed to score 16 points, ending his streak of three consecutive games with over 30 points.
Looking Ahead
The Hornets will return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers following their five-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers in their next matchup.
Upcoming Games
- Hornets vs. Cavaliers – Wednesday Night
- Nuggets vs. Lakers – Tuesday Night
This game highlighted the Hornets’ potential while exposing the Nuggets’ vulnerabilities in the absence of key players. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their respective performances.
