On January 4, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged out the Denver Nuggets 113-108 in a thrilling downtown showdown at Ball Arena that came down to a frantic three-point shootout. Fans packed the stands in Denver’s bustling downtown area, watching as the game turned into a high-stakes battle from beyond the arc in the final minutes. The Cavaliers clung to a slim lead, forcing the Nuggets to fire away from deep, but Cleveland’s defense and timely stops held firm for the upset winhttps://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-analysis/42439/winners-and-losers-cavs-vs-nuggets-craig-porter-jr-hustles-his-way-to-victory.
Cleveland’s Craig Porter Jr. emerged as the unexpected hero of the night. The young guard hustled all over the court, grabbing key rebounds, dishing assists, and hitting clutch shots to keep his team ahead. His energy sparked the Cavaliers, who were outmatched on paper against Denver’s star power but refused to back down. Porter’s performance turned heads, earning him praise as the game’s top winner in post-game breakdowns.
For the Nuggets, it was a night of missed opportunities. Despite home-court energy in the heart of downtown Denver, their shooters went cold when it mattered most. The three-point barrage they needed never fully connected, leaving fans stunned as Cleveland stole the victory. Denver’s stars pushed hard, but small mistakes and poor shooting from distance sealed their fate.
The game highlighted Cleveland’s grit on the road. They controlled the pace early, building a lead through smart plays and tough defense. By halftime, the score was tight, setting up the dramatic finish. In those last seconds, every possession felt like a shootout, with both teams trading threes in a blur of motion.
This downtown clash added to the NBA’s exciting season, showing how hustle can beat talent on any given night.
Sources
https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-analysis/42439/winners-and-losers-cavs-vs-nuggets-craig-porter-jr-hustles-his-way-to-victory
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