Cavs vs Nuggets: Cleveland rallies late for 119–117 win in Denver

The Cleveland Cavaliers erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and stunned the Denver Nuggets 119–117 on Monday night, Feb. 9, 2026, at Ball Arena, turning a back-and-forth showcase into a late-game execution clinic. Cleveland trailed most of the night, then flipped the finish with a clutch step-back three, key rim protection, and free throws in the final second.

The win capped a rugged road swing for the Cavaliers and tightened the Western home team’s grip on what looked like a comfortable advantage entering the closing minutes.

A fourth-quarter swing in a two-point game

Denver carried momentum into the fourth after trading 33-point third quarters, but Cleveland’s final surge came fast. The Cavaliers held Denver to 25 points in the last period, forcing uncomfortable possessions and capitalizing on late turnovers. A game-tying three in the final minute set up a tense finish, and Cleveland closed at the line to seal it.

Quarter-by-quarter, the teams were separated by only a handful of possessions:

• Cleveland: 26, 28, 33, 32

• Denver: 30, 29, 33, 25

Star performances: Mitchell, Harden, Allen

Cleveland’s closing punch was driven by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, with Jarrett Allen delivering the interior production that kept the comeback feasible before the perimeter shot-making arrived.

Here’s a snapshot of the most influential stat lines:

Harden’s two-way impact stood out late, pairing shot creation with timely defensive plays, while Allen’s finishing and rebounding stabilized Cleveland through the rougher stretches.

Jokic’s triple-double, and the possessions that swung it

Nikola Jokic posted another triple-double (22 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists), but Denver’s late-game execution wobbled. Turnovers became the hinge: extra empty trips gave Cleveland the chance to play from behind without needing a barrage of threes.

Denver also got 20 points each from Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, and Jamal Murray added 17 points with 11 assists. Still, the Nuggets’ offense tightened in the final minutes, and a couple of missed chances to extend the lead kept the door open for Cleveland’s finishing kick.

What the result means right now

For Cleveland, the win reinforced a new late-game identity built around two elite decision-makers on the ball, with Allen as a dependable pressure-release valve at the rim. In a playoff-style finish, the Cavaliers found clean looks when it mattered and avoided the “hero-ball or bust” trap that often shows up in tight road games.

For Denver, the loss is less about a lack of talent than about closing discipline. The Nuggets created enough offense to win, but the final possessions tilted toward rushed decisions and giveaway risk—exactly the window where Cleveland’s guards thrive.

Where to watch Cavaliers vs Nuggets

If you’re searching where to watch Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers (or the next meeting), the simplest rule is this: it depends on whether the game is local, national, or out-of-market.

• Local market viewers: the game is typically carried on each team’s regional sports broadcast.

• National TV games: if scheduled for a national window, it will appear on a national sports channel and its companion streaming service.

• Out-of-market viewers: the league’s out-of-market package is usually the most reliable option, though blackout rules can apply if you’re inside either team’s home territory.

• Live TV streaming bundles: some packages carry the relevant channels, but availability varies by ZIP code and provider.

For the most accurate night-of listing, check the official game page in the league app on game day to confirm the channel and streaming options available in your area.

Sources consulted: NBA, ESPN, CBS Sports, Reuters