The Denver Nuggets led by as much as 11 points during Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they ended up losing 119-117.
Denver was even up 100-90 with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for them, the Cavs were able to claw their way back, cutting the Nuggets’ lead to just one, 113-112, in the final two minutes of the game.
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Cleveland went on a 7-3 run after that, highlighted by a James Harden step-back 3-pointer that tied the game at 117-all with 32 seconds remaining on the clock.
Donovan Mitchell led the scoring for Cleveland with 32 points, along with 10 assists. Meanwhile, Harden added 22 points, 10 boards and seven dimes. Jarrett Allen also chipped in 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Seven players scored in double digits for Denver, led by Nikola Jokic‘s 22 points. The three-time NBA MVP also recorded 14 rebounds and 11 assists, albeit in a losing effort.
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Christian Braun and Julian Strawther each tallied 20 points for the Nuggets as well, while All-Star guard Jamal Murray scored 17.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks on during a game.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)NBA L2M Report Reveals Mistake in Nuggets’ Loss
In a more disappointing turn for the Nuggets, NBA officials might have affected the result of the game.
In the Last 2 Minute Report released by the NBA, it was revealed that there was an incorrect non-call that really hurt the Nuggets.
With under a minute left as Jokic tried to position himself to score, Cavs guard Jaylon Tyson was seen going to and staying in the paint, waiting to provide some help defense. However, he clearly went over three seconds in the area, which should have been a defensive three-second violation.
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Despite the Nuggets calling attention to the violation, there was no whistle. Jokic ended up turning the ball over, giving the Cavs an opportunity to score.
Mitchell attacked the basket after Sam Merrill stole the ball from Jokic. While he missed, Nuggets’ wing Cam Johnson was called for a loose ball foul while trying to get the rebound.
After that, Harden was able to score his game-tying triple. Mitchell went on to win it for the Cavs with a pair of free throws to end the game.
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Had it not been for the missed call, the Nuggets would have kept the possession and gotten an opportunity to score. Instead, the team was left with a massive “What If.”
Denver dropped to 34-20 on the season with the loss, while Cleveland improved to 33-21 as they remain undefeated over their last four games.
Related: NBA Reveals 2 Incorrect Non-Calls in Warriors-Grizzlies Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.