Brooklyn Nets 127–115 Denver Nuggets: Nets’ Hot Shooting Stuns Champions at Barclays Center – Sportsphere24
The Brooklyn Nets delivered one of their most electrifying performances of the season, defeating the defending champion Denver Nuggets 127–115 at Barclays Center on January 4, 2026. Behind explosive perimeter shooting, balanced scoring, and a strong closing stretch, the Nets handed Denver a rare defeat and reminded the league that they remain a threat to elite opposition on their night.
First-Half Shootout
Both teams started fast, trading three-pointers in an up-tempo first half. Denver relied on Jamal Murray’s pick-and-roll creation and Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting, while Aaron Gordon attacked the rim in transition. The Nuggets consistently generated good looks, but their perimeter defense struggled to handle Brooklyn’s spacing and ball movement.
The Nets countered with high-efficiency offense, exploiting mismatches and finding open shooters in the corners and above the break. Brooklyn’s role players hit multiple threes to keep pace, and by halftime, the game resembled a track meet rather than a defensive slog.
Nets Pull Away After the Break
In the third quarter, the Nets seized control by tightening their defense and maintaining their hot shooting from deep. Denver’s attempts to blitz ball-handlers and switch across positions often left them scrambling, while Brooklyn punished late rotations with timely threes and backdoor cuts.
Whenever the Nuggets threatened a run, the Nets responded with key perimeter shots and drives to the basket, keeping the lead in double digits for much of the second half. Denver scored consistently, but could not string together enough stops to seriously threaten Brooklyn’s advantage down the stretch.
Key Performers
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Brooklyn’s offense featured multiple double-figure scorers, with wings and guards combining for a high volume of threes. The big men contributed through screening, offensive rebounds, and timely put-backs.
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Denver was led offensively by Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., with Aaron Gordon providing interior scoring and energy plays. However, Denver’s bench could not match Brooklyn’s impact, and defensive lapses allowed the Nets to control the tempo.
Implications of the Result
The win boosted Brooklyn’s confidence against one of the Western Conference’s top teams. For a team fighting to stay relevant in the playoff and play-in race, knocking off the defending champions demonstrates their potential when shots are falling and effort is high.
For Denver, the loss serves as a reminder of the need for sharper perimeter defense and consistent bench production. While it doesn’t derail their championship ambitions, it provides valuable footage for opponents to study how Brooklyn successfully attacked them at Barclays Center.