Nuggets Rally Past Trail Blazers 137-132 in OT

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 137-132 in overtime on Monday, April 6, 2026, overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit behind Nikola Jokic’s 35-point, 14-rebound, 13-assist triple-double at Ball Arena. Denver closed regulation with a strong fourth quarter, then took control in the extra period to secure its 51st win.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown

First quarter

Portland set the early pace and led 35-31 after one quarter. The Trail Blazers found rhythm from beyond the arc right away, and Denver spent much of the period trying to match Portland’s spacing and shot-making. Even so, the Nuggets stayed within reach thanks to efficient interior scoring and ball movement.

Second quarter

The Trail Blazers widened the margin in the second, outscoring Denver 37-27 to take a 72-58 lead into halftime. Portland’s perimeter accuracy was the difference, and its offense continued to generate clean looks. Denver, meanwhile, had trouble slowing the visitors in transition and could not produce enough stops to trim the deficit before the break.

Third quarter

The third quarter finished even at 29-29, which kept Portland in front 101-87 entering the fourth. Denver showed better structure offensively, but the Nuggets still needed a major defensive shift to change the game. Portland maintained composure and kept answering each Denver push through much of the period.

Fourth quarter

That shift finally arrived in the fourth. Denver outscored Portland 38-24 over the final 12 minutes of regulation, steadily cutting into the lead before drawing even at 125-125. The Nuggets tightened up defensively, controlled the glass more effectively, and leaned on Jokic’s creation to get cleaner late-game possessions.

Overtime

In overtime, Denver completed the comeback by outscoring Portland 12-7. The Nuggets executed more cleanly on both ends, turning a dramatic rally into a finished result. Portland, after playing from ahead for most of the night, could not recapture its earlier offensive flow in the extra session.

Key performers

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, adding 5 steals in one of the most complete performances of the night. He set the tone for Denver’s comeback by organizing the offense, finishing efficiently inside, and consistently creating second-side opportunities.

Denver’s team offense was a major factor as well. The Nuggets shot 51.5 percent from the field and recorded 37 assists on 52 made baskets, a sign of how well they moved the ball once they settled into the game. They also finished with a 45-39 rebounding edge.

For Portland, Toumani Camara led the way with 30 points, while Jrue Holiday added 11 assists and helped direct a productive offense for long stretches. Donovan Clingan contributed 12 rebounds, and the Trail Blazers’ perimeter attack was highly effective, as they hit 25 of 52 from three-point range for 48.1 percent.

NerdSports Stat: Portland made 25 three-pointers and still lost, because Denver answered with 52 made field goals, 37 assists, a plus-6 rebounding margin, and a 50-19 scoring edge across the fourth quarter and overtime combined.

Game analysis

This game turned on Denver’s ability to stay connected despite a difficult first half. Portland’s shooting gave it clear control for much of the night, especially when it built a 14-point halftime lead and preserved that edge through three quarters. But the Nuggets did not rush the comeback. Instead, they trusted their half-court structure, let Jokic orchestrate, and gradually increased the pressure defensively.

The numbers underline the contrast in style. Portland relied heavily on the three-ball and got strong value from it, making 25 threes. Denver countered with volume, efficiency, and playmaking in the paint and midrange areas, finishing at 51.5 percent overall and piling up 37 assists. That level of offensive organization became especially important once the game tightened in the fourth.

Denver’s late-game composure also stood out. After trailing 101-87 entering the final quarter, the Nuggets gave up only 31 total points over the fourth quarter and overtime combined. That defensive improvement, paired with Jokic’s steady decision-making, allowed Denver to erase the deficit without needing a rushed finish.

For Portland, this was a missed opportunity but not an empty performance. The Trail Blazers were strong for three quarters and shot well enough to win on many nights. The issue was closing possessions and maintaining the same offensive precision once Denver increased its pressure late.

Closing context

The win moves Denver to 51-28, an important result as the Western Conference playoff picture continues to tighten in the final stretch of the regular season. Portland falls to 40-39, leaving the Trail Blazers with little margin as they continue to push for postseason positioning. For Denver, this was a valuable home win built on resilience, execution, and a signature Jokic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions