The denver nuggets vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats from January 3, 2026, reveal an exciting NBA contest in which the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-108 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Although Denver entered the fourth quarter with a nine-point advantage, Cleveland produced an impressive final-period performance to turn the game around and secure a five-point victory. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 33 points, while Jamal Murray delivered a game-high 34 points for Denver.

The matchup offered an interesting contrast between individual scoring and team execution. Denver made 17 three-pointers, committed only eight turnovers, and received an outstanding offensive performance from Murray. However, Cleveland controlled the rebounding battle, collected 55 total rebounds compared with Denver’s 32, and scored 25 points in the fourth quarter. That difference proved decisive.

This detailed breakdown examines the final score, individual player performances, team statistics, quarter-by-quarter results, shooting efficiency, rebounding numbers, and the factors that influenced the outcome. It also explains what the numbers reveal about both teams and why Cleveland managed to win despite committing twice as many turnovers as Denver.

Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The January 3 meeting between Denver and Cleveland was a competitive regular-season NBA game featuring two teams with different strengths.

Denver demonstrated its scoring ability through efficient three-point shooting and strong performances from its leading players. Cleveland, meanwhile, relied on balanced offense, interior production, rebounding, and defensive pressure.

The Cavaliers eventually found the advantage they needed in the fourth quarter.

Match Information

Here is a quick overview of the game based on the supplied ESPN box score.

Match Detail	Information
Sport	NBA Basketball
Match	Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
Date	January 3, 2026
Game Time	5:30 AM
Venue	Rocket Arena
Location	Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance	19,432
Final Score	Cleveland 113-108 Denver
Winner	Cleveland Cavaliers
Winning Margin	5 points
Game Status	Final
Game ID	401810333
Denver Record	23-11
Cleveland Record	20-16
Broadcast	Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, and additional channels

The Cavaliers entered the contest with a 20-16 overall record and a 13-8 home record, according to the match header. Denver had a stronger overall record of 23-11 and had won 13 of its 19 away games.

Despite Denver’s better season record, Cleveland successfully defended its home court.

The attendance of 19,432 also demonstrates the strong interest surrounding this matchup. With two competitive teams and several productive individual performers, the game provided plenty of statistical talking points.

Final Score and Game Result

Final Score

Cleveland won

File:Cleveland Cavaliers logo.svg – Wikimedia Commons

113

Cleveland Cavaliers

Home team

Denver Nuggets 2025-2026 guide: Roster, Depth Chart & Key Players | Dunkest

108

Denver Nuggets

Away team

Winning margin

5 points

Venue

Rocket Arena

Date

January 3, 2026

Cleveland finished with 113 points, while Denver scored 108. The five-point difference reflected how effectively Cleveland responded during the final period.

Denver’s offense had produced 97 points through three quarters. However, the Nuggets managed only 11 points in the fourth, allowing Cleveland to take control of the result.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown

The scoring pattern is one of the most important parts of this matchup.

Denver had an excellent third quarter and appeared to be in a strong position heading into the final 12 minutes. Cleveland, however, responded with its best closing performance of the night.

Quarter Scores

Quarter	Denver Nuggets	Cleveland Cavaliers
First Quarter	24	28
Second Quarter	35	34
Third Quarter	38	26
Fourth Quarter	11	25
Final Score	108	113

These numbers reveal how dramatically the game changed.

First Quarter: Cleveland Starts Strong

Cleveland opened the game with 28 points, compared with Denver’s 24.

The four-point advantage gave the Cavaliers an early lead. Their ability to score efficiently helped them establish a positive starting position.

Denver remained competitive, though, and the difference was small enough to leave the game open.

The opening quarter established an important pattern: both teams could generate offense, but Cleveland had a slight advantage in converting its opportunities.

Second Quarter: Denver Responds

Denver scored 35 points in the second quarter, one more than Cleveland’s 34.

The Nuggets improved their offensive production and made the contest increasingly competitive.

At halftime, Cleveland maintained a narrow 62-59 advantage.

The three-point difference suggested that neither team had established complete control. Denver had responded well after its slower opening period, while Cleveland continued producing enough offense to protect its lead.

Third Quarter: Denver Takes Control

The third quarter was Denver’s strongest scoring period.

The Nuggets scored 38 points, while Cleveland managed 26.

This 12-point difference completely changed the scoreboard.

After three quarters:

• Denver had scored 97 points.
• Cleveland had scored 88 points.
• Denver held a nine-point advantage.

Denver’s offensive performance during this period demonstrated why the team remained dangerous throughout the contest.

Jamal Murray’s scoring production was particularly important. He finished with 34 points and six three-pointers, making him Denver’s leading offensive performer.

However, a nine-point advantage was not enough to guarantee victory.

Fourth Quarter: Cleveland Completes the Comeback

The fourth quarter ultimately decided the game.

Cleveland scored 25 points, while Denver managed only 11.

That created a 14-point advantage for the Cavaliers during the final period.

Cleveland’s scoring improvement coincided with Denver’s offensive decline. The Nuggets could not maintain their earlier production, and the Cavaliers took advantage of the opportunity.

The fourth-quarter comparison was:

Statistic	Denver	Cleveland
Fourth-quarter points	11	25
Scoring difference	-14	+14

Cleveland’s ability to finish strongly was the defining factor in its victory.

The most important lesson from the quarter-by-quarter results is that an excellent third quarter does not guarantee a win. Denver scored 38 points in that period but could not maintain its offensive efficiency when the game reached its decisive stage.

Complete Player Statistics: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers received contributions from several players. Donovan Mitchell led the team in scoring, while Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Craig Porter Jr., and others provided additional offensive production.

The team’s rebounding advantage was also supported by the contributions of its frontcourt players.

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks
Donovan Mitchell	33	6	5	1	Not listed
Darius Garland	18	2	8	Not listed	Not listed
De’Andre Hunter	16	5	4	Not listed	Not listed
Craig Porter Jr.	10	5	5	2	1
Jarrett Allen	8	12	3	1	1
Evan Mobley	8	11	4	1	3
Jaylon Tyson	8	5	1	Not listed	Not listed
Nae’Qwan Tomlin	6	6	Not listed	1	1
Lonzo Ball	6	3	2	Not listed	2

Note: The supplied player data does not include every statistical category for every player. Unlisted figures are not assumed to be zero.

Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s Leading Scorer

Donovan Mitchell Named to 2026 NBA All-Star Game

33 points

Donovan Mitchell

6 rebounds | 5 assists | 1 steal

Cleveland’s top scorer

Donovan Mitchell delivered an excellent offensive performance and finished as Cleveland’s leading scorer with 33 points.

His scoring output was especially important because the Cavaliers needed consistent offensive production against a Denver team capable of putting up large numbers.

Mitchell also contributed six rebounds and five assists, demonstrating that his influence extended beyond scoring.

His complete supplied statistical line included:

• 33 points
• 6 rebounds
• 5 assists
• 1 steal
• 4 turnovers

One important detail is his turnover total. Mitchell committed four turnovers, meaning Cleveland’s leading scorer was not perfect in possession management.

Nevertheless, his scoring production helped Cleveland remain competitive and eventually complete the comeback.

His performance also created an interesting comparison with Jamal Murray. Both players exceeded 30 points, but their teams experienced different results.

Darius Garland: Important Playmaking Contribution

Darius Garland and the Cavs Are Coming Up Clutch – The Ringer

18 points

Darius Garland

2 rebounds | 8 assists

Darius Garland finished with 18 points and eight assists.

His assist total was the highest among the Cavaliers players listed in the supplied individual statistics.

Garland’s contribution was important because successful offense requires more than individual scoring. Players must also create opportunities for teammates and help maintain offensive movement.

His eight assists demonstrate his role as a facilitator.

However, Garland also recorded six turnovers. That is a significant number, especially in a game decided by only five points.

Despite those mistakes, his offensive production and playmaking helped Cleveland generate 113 points.

The combination of Mitchell’s scoring and Garland’s passing gave the Cavaliers two different offensive strengths.

De’Andre Hunter: Valuable Supporting Scoring

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16 points

De’Andre Hunter

5 rebounds | 4 assists

Bench scoring contribution

De’Andre Hunter contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

His scoring was particularly useful because Cleveland did not depend entirely on Mitchell to generate offense.

Hunter’s 16 points made him an important supporting scorer and gave the Cavaliers another productive offensive option.

His five rebounds also added to Cleveland’s overall advantage on the boards.

When evaluating a close basketball game, supporting scorers deserve attention because their contributions can reduce the pressure on the primary offensive players.

Hunter’s performance was a strong example of that value.

Jarrett Allen: Rebounding Strength

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12 rebounds

Jarrett Allen

8 points | 3 assists | 1 steal | 1 block

Jarrett Allen recorded eight points and 12 rebounds.

Although his scoring total was not among Cleveland’s highest, his rebounding contribution was extremely important.

Allen’s 12 rebounds helped Cleveland control possessions and limit Denver’s opportunities to recover missed shots.

Rebounding is particularly valuable against a team with strong perimeter scorers. When a defensive possession ends with a rebound, the opposing team loses the chance to create another scoring opportunity from the same possession.

Allen also contributed three assists, one steal, and one block.

His statistical line demonstrates how a player can influence a game without being one of the leading scorers.

Evan Mobley: Defensive and Rebounding Impact

Evan Mobley is on the verge of making Cleveland Cavaliers franchise history

3 blocks

Evan Mobley

8 points | 11 rebounds | 4 assists | 1 steal

Evan Mobley finished with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks.

His performance was especially valuable on the defensive end.

Three blocks represented a meaningful contribution to Cleveland’s total of eight team blocks.

Mobley’s 11 rebounds also helped the Cavaliers establish their advantage in the paint and control the defensive glass.

His four assists added another dimension to his performance.

The combination of rebounding, shot protection, and passing made Mobley an important contributor even though he scored only eight points.

Craig Porter Jr.: Balanced Contribution

Craig Porter Jr. recorded 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.

His statistical line stands out because he contributed in several categories.

Rather than relying on scoring alone, Porter added value through playmaking and defensive activity.

Five assists indicate that he helped create opportunities for teammates, while two steals and one block contributed to Cleveland’s defensive production.

His performance demonstrates the importance of players who can contribute across multiple statistical categories.

Other Cleveland Contributions

Several additional Cavaliers players also appeared in the supplied box score.

Jaylon Tyson finished with eight points, five rebounds, and one assist. His contribution added to Cleveland’s scoring depth.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin recorded six points and six rebounds, along with one steal and one block. His rebounding helped strengthen Cleveland’s advantage in the frontcourt.

Lonzo Ball contributed six points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. His defensive production was notable, particularly because both blocks contributed to Cleveland’s interior defense.

Together, these supporting performances helped Cleveland maintain a balanced attack.

Complete Player Statistics: Denver Nuggets

Denver also received strong individual performances.

Jamal Murray led all players with 34 points, while Peyton Watson scored 21. Tim Hardaway Jr. and other supporting players contributed additional scoring.

Despite those efforts, the Nuggets could not maintain their offensive production in the fourth quarter.

Denver Nuggets Player Stats

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks
Jamal Murray	34	6	7	Not listed	Not listed
Peyton Watson	21	4	3	1	Not listed
Tim Hardaway Jr.	15	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed
Spencer Jones	13	6	1	Not listed	2
Zeke Nnaji	13	5	Not listed	1	Not listed
Jalen Pickett	9	2	3	2	Not listed
Bruce Brown	0	3	4	4	Not listed
Julian Strawther	0	0	0	Not listed	Not listed
DaRon Holmes II	3	4	6	Not listed	Not listed

Note: Unlisted statistical categories were not provided in the supplied data.

Jamal Murray: Denver’s Leading Scorer

Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets

34 points

Jamal Murray

6 rebounds | 7 assists | 6 three-pointers

Game-high scorer

Jamal Murray was Denver’s most productive offensive player.

He scored 34 points, the highest individual total recorded by either team.

His complete supplied statistical line included:

• 34 points
• 6 rebounds
• 7 assists
• 1 turnover
• 6 three-pointers

His six successful three-pointers demonstrate how effectively he contributed from the perimeter.

Murray also recorded seven assists, showing that he created scoring opportunities for teammates rather than concentrating exclusively on his own offense.

Another important detail was his turnover total. He committed only one turnover, which was considerably fewer than the four turnovers recorded by Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and the six recorded by Darius Garland.

Despite this excellent performance, Denver lost.

This is an important reminder that individual scoring achievements do not always translate into team victories. Basketball results depend on several connected factors, including defense, rebounding, shooting efficiency, and the ability to perform during crucial periods.

Peyton Watson: Denver’s Second-Leading Scorer

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21 points

Peyton Watson

4 rebounds | 3 assists | 1 steal

Peyton Watson scored 21 points, making him Denver’s second-leading scorer.

His contribution was important because Murray needed offensive support to challenge Cleveland’s defense.

Watson also recorded four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

His 21 points represented a significant contribution to Denver’s overall total of 108.

The combination of Murray and Watson gave Denver 55 points.

That means the two players accounted for slightly more than half of the Nuggets’ total scoring.

However, Denver needed more consistent contributions across the final quarter to secure the win.

Tim Hardaway Jr.: Important Scoring Support

Gallery | Nuggets at Trail Blazers 10/31/25 | Denver Nuggets

15 points

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Denver bench scoring contribution

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 points to Denver’s offensive production.

His scoring gave the Nuggets another useful option beyond their leading players.

A team’s ability to receive points from multiple players can make its offense more difficult to defend.

Hardaway’s 15 points were particularly valuable in a game where Denver’s leading scorers carried a large share of the offensive responsibility.

Spencer Jones: Contributions Across Multiple Categories

Spencer Jones recorded 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.

His statistical line showed contributions on both ends of the court.

The 13 points helped Denver maintain its scoring output, while six rebounds contributed to the team’s overall work on the boards.

His two blocks also provided defensive value.

Although Denver finished with fewer total rebounds and blocks than Cleveland, Jones was one of the players who contributed to its defensive activity.

Zeke Nnaji: Additional Offensive Production

Zeke Nnaji scored 13 points and collected five rebounds.

He also recorded one steal.

His scoring was another example of Denver receiving contributions from players outside its leading two scorers.

Nnaji’s five rebounds helped the Nuggets compete physically, although the team’s overall rebounding total remained well below Cleveland’s.

Jalen Pickett and DaRon Holmes II

Jalen Pickett finished with nine points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

His two steals were among the defensive contributions that helped Denver record eight team steals.

DaRon Holmes II recorded three points, four rebounds, and six assists.

Holmes’ six assists were especially notable because they demonstrated his playmaking contribution.

Although he scored only three points, his passing helped create opportunities for other Denver players.

Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther

Bruce Brown finished with zero points, three rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

His four steals were a notable defensive contribution and helped Denver finish with eight team steals.

Julian Strawther recorded zero points, zero rebounds, and zero assists in the supplied statistics.

The box score also identified Hunter Tyson and Curtis Jones as Denver’s DNP players, meaning they did not play.

For Cleveland, Thomas Bryant and Sam Merrill were also listed as DNP players.

Team Statistics Comparison

Individual performances explain part of the result, but the team comparison reveals why Cleveland won.

The Cavaliers had a major advantage in shooting percentage, rebounding, assists, and blocked shots.

Denver performed better in turnovers and free-throw accuracy.

Complete Team Comparison

Statistical Category	Denver Nuggets	Cleveland Cavaliers
Total Points	108	113
Field Goals	40/94	43/86
Field Goal Percentage	43%	50%
Three-Pointers	17/47	16/39
Three-Point Percentage	36%	41%
Free Throws	11/13	11/19
Free-Throw Percentage	85%	58%
Total Rebounds	32	55
Offensive Rebounds	5	14
Defensive Rebounds	27	41
Assists	26	32
Turnovers	8	16
Steals	8	6
Blocks	3	8
Personal Fouls	15	18

These figures provide several important insights.

Field Goal Efficiency

Cleveland made 43 of its 86 field-goal attempts, finishing with a 50% shooting percentage.

Denver made 40 of 94 attempts, producing a 43% shooting percentage.

The difference was seven percentage points.

Cleveland also attempted eight fewer shots while making three more field goals.

This suggests that the Cavaliers were more efficient with their overall shooting opportunities.

Shooting percentage matters because teams do not need to attempt more shots to produce more points. Converting a higher proportion of attempts can be more valuable than simply increasing shooting volume.

Three-Point Shooting

Denver made 17 of 47 three-point attempts, finishing at 36%.

Cleveland converted 16 of 39 attempts at 41%.

Denver made one more three-pointer than Cleveland.

However, the Cavaliers had a higher three-point percentage despite taking eight fewer attempts.

Three-Point Detail	Denver	Cleveland
Attempts	47	39
Successful Shots	17	16
Accuracy	36%	41%

Denver’s perimeter volume was impressive, but Cleveland’s accuracy was better.

This distinction is important when analyzing offensive efficiency.

A team can make more shots from outside simply because it attempts more of them. That does not necessarily mean it is shooting more efficiently.

Free-Throw Performance

Denver converted 11 of 13 free throws, producing an 85% success rate.

Cleveland also made 11 free throws, but it attempted 19.

Its free-throw percentage was 58%.

Free-Throw Detail	Denver	Cleveland
Attempts	13	19
Successful Shots	11	11
Percentage	85%	58%

Denver clearly had the advantage in free-throw accuracy.

Both teams made the same number of free throws, meaning this category did not create a scoring difference in the final result.

Cleveland’s lower percentage is an area worth examining because better free-throw conversion could have made the final margin more comfortable.

Rebounding: Cleveland’s Biggest Advantage

Key statistical difference

The rebounding numbers provide perhaps the clearest explanation for Cleveland’s victory.

Cleveland collected 55 rebounds, while Denver finished with 32.

That created a difference of 23 rebounds.

Total rebounds

Cleveland collected 23 more rebounds than Denver.

The breakdown was equally important:

Rebounding Category	Denver	Cleveland
Offensive Rebounds	5	14
Defensive Rebounds	27	41
Total Rebounds	32	55

Cleveland collected nine more offensive rebounds and 14 more defensive rebounds.

Offensive rebounds create additional opportunities to score after a missed shot.

Defensive rebounds help end the opponent’s possession and allow the team to transition into offense.

Cleveland’s advantage in both categories meant the Cavaliers controlled a much larger share of available rebounds.

This was particularly important because Denver attempted eight more field goals.

The Nuggets had more shooting attempts, but Cleveland still collected substantially more rebounds.

That difference suggests Cleveland was much more effective at controlling the boards throughout the contest.

Assists and Ball Movement

Cleveland recorded 32 assists compared with Denver’s 26.

The six-assist difference indicates that the Cavaliers generated more assisted scoring opportunities.

Garland contributed eight assists, Mitchell added five, and Craig Porter Jr. recorded another five.

On Denver’s side, Murray had seven assists, while DaRon Holmes II contributed six.

Both teams had players capable of creating opportunities for teammates.

However, Cleveland finished with the higher team total.

The assist advantage also fits with Cleveland’s overall shooting efficiency. More successful offensive connections can help create better shooting opportunities.

Turnovers: Denver’s Advantage

Denver committed only eight turnovers.

Cleveland committed 16.

This means the Cavaliers gave the ball away twice as often as the Nuggets.

Turnovers can be particularly damaging in close games because they create opportunities for opponents without requiring them to win a defensive rebound.

Denver’s ability to protect possession was one of its strongest statistical advantages.

The interesting part is that the Nuggets still lost.

The reason becomes clearer when turnovers are considered alongside shooting efficiency and rebounding.

Cleveland’s advantages in those other categories were substantial enough to overcome its turnover disadvantage.

Steals and Blocks

Denver recorded eight steals, while Cleveland had six.

The Nuggets therefore finished with a two-steal advantage.

However, Cleveland dominated the blocked-shot category.

Defensive Statistic	Denver	Cleveland
Steals	8	6
Blocks	3	8

The Cavaliers recorded five more blocks.

Mobley contributed three blocks, while Allen and Porter each added one. Lonzo Ball also recorded two.

These defensive contributions helped Cleveland challenge Denver’s attempts around the basket.

The combination of blocks and rebounds was particularly valuable because Cleveland could not only challenge shots but also finish defensive possessions by collecting the ball.

Five Major Reasons Cleveland Defeated Denver

The final score was close, but the statistical comparison identifies several reasons for Cleveland’s victory.

1. Cleveland Controlled the Rebounding Battle

The 55-32 rebounding advantage was the most significant statistical difference.

Cleveland collected 23 more rebounds.

This gave the Cavaliers greater control over missed shots and helped them limit Denver’s second-chance opportunities.

The offensive rebounding advantage was especially important.

Cleveland recorded 14 offensive rebounds compared with Denver’s five.

That nine-rebound difference provided the Cavaliers with more opportunities to extend possessions.

2. Better Overall Shooting Efficiency

Cleveland finished with a 50% field-goal percentage.

Denver managed 43%.

The Cavaliers also had a higher three-point percentage.

Although Denver made one additional three-pointer, Cleveland’s shooting efficiency was better.

The difference in field-goal percentage helped the Cavaliers produce more points despite attempting fewer shots.

3. Strong Supporting Scoring

Mitchell scored 33 points, but he was not Cleveland’s only productive offensive player.

Garland added 18, Hunter scored 16, and Porter contributed 10.

This distribution gave Cleveland multiple scoring options.

Denver also had strong supporting performances, particularly from Watson and Hardaway.

However, Cleveland’s leading four scorers combined for 77 points, providing a substantial portion of the team’s final total.

4. Defensive Presence Near the Basket

Cleveland finished with eight blocks.

Denver recorded only three.

The five-block difference highlights Cleveland’s greater statistical production in shot protection.

Mobley’s three blocks and Allen’s defensive contribution were particularly important to the team’s interior presence.

Combined with 55 rebounds, those defensive numbers helped Cleveland control the areas around the basket.

5. A Much Better Fourth Quarter

The final period was the decisive part of the contest.

Denver entered the quarter ahead 97-88.

Cleveland then outscored Denver 25-11.

That 14-point scoring advantage was enough to transform a nine-point deficit into a five-point victory.

Denver’s 11-point fourth quarter was a major contrast with its earlier scoring output.

The Cavaliers’ ability to produce 25 points in the same period ultimately decided the result.

Why Jamal Murray’s 34 Points Were Not Enough

One of the most interesting questions arising from this game is why Denver lost despite Murray scoring more points than any other player.

The answer is that individual scoring represents only one part of basketball performance.

Murray finished with:

• 34 points
• 6 rebounds
• 7 assists
• 1 turnover
• 6 three-pointers

These are excellent numbers.

However, Cleveland’s team statistics were stronger in several important categories.

The Cavaliers collected 23 more rebounds, made three more field goals, finished with a higher field-goal percentage, and recorded five more blocks.

Denver also struggled in the fourth quarter.

Murray’s individual production could not completely compensate for the team’s offensive decline during the final 12 minutes.

Another important factor was the distribution of points.

Watson added 21 points, and Hardaway Jr. contributed 15. Nevertheless, Denver needed its overall offensive production to remain consistent throughout the game.

A 34-point performance can keep a team competitive, but victories require contributions from the entire roster.

Cleveland’s Offensive Balance Compared With Denver

Both teams had productive scorers, but their statistical profiles were slightly different.

Cleveland received its leading scoring contribution from Mitchell, followed by Garland and Hunter.

Denver depended heavily on Murray and Watson, although Hardaway, Jones, and Nnaji also contributed.

Leading Scorers Comparison

Player	Team	Points
Jamal Murray	Denver	34
Donovan Mitchell	Cleveland	33
Peyton Watson	Denver	21
Darius Garland	Cleveland	18
De’Andre Hunter	Cleveland	16
Tim Hardaway Jr.	Denver	15
Spencer Jones	Denver	13
Zeke Nnaji	Denver	13

Murray and Mitchell were the two leading scorers.

The difference between them was only one point.

However, Cleveland had three players with at least 16 points, while Denver had two players reaching 21 points or more.

This shows that Cleveland received meaningful production from several offensive options.

Balanced scoring can be particularly useful in games where one team’s primary scorer faces defensive pressure or experiences a quieter stretch.

Statistical Lessons From the January 3 Matchup

The game offers several useful lessons for anyone analyzing NBA player statistics.

Points Do Not Tell the Entire Story

Murray scored 34 points, but his team lost.

Mitchell scored 33 and helped Cleveland win.

Although both performances were excellent, the final result depended on more than the scoring leaders.

Rebounds, assists, defensive contributions, and team shooting percentages also mattered.

Rebounding Can Change the Direction of a Game

Cleveland’s 55 rebounds were a major advantage.

The Cavaliers’ control of the offensive and defensive glass helped them produce a stronger overall performance.

A team that consistently wins rebounds can create more opportunities and prevent opponents from extending possessions.

Efficiency Matters More Than Attempt Volume Alone

Denver attempted 94 field goals compared with Cleveland’s 86.

However, Cleveland made 43 shots while Denver made 40.

The Cavaliers converted a higher percentage of their attempts.

This demonstrates why shooting efficiency should be considered alongside total attempts.

Fourth-Quarter Performance Deserves Special Attention

A team can dominate most of a game and still lose if it cannot finish.

Denver scored 38 points in the third quarter but only 11 in the fourth.

Cleveland’s 25-point final period completely changed the result.

When reviewing player statistics, it is useful to examine how players and teams perform during the closing stages rather than focusing exclusively on their full-game totals.

Season Series and Next Matchup

According to the supplied match information, Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the season series after winning the January 3 contest.

The next scheduled meeting listed in the supplied data was February 10, 2026, at Denver.

The supplied information also displays a 119-117 Cleveland result for that later matchup.

That result is separate from the January 3 game discussed in this article and should not be confused with the 113-108 final score at Rocket Arena.

The January 3 victory gave Cleveland an early advantage in the season series.

For Denver, the result highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly rebounding and late-game offensive execution.

For Cleveland, the performance demonstrated the value of combining individual scoring with stronger team rebounding and defensive production.

Where to Find the Official Box Score

For readers who want to verify individual player numbers, shooting percentages, team totals, and the final result, the ESPN game record is the most relevant reference provided for this matchup.

The official game record identifies the contest as Game ID 401810333.

You can review the complete box score here:

ESPN: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets Box Score, January 3, 2026

The box score is particularly useful for checking:

• Individual points and rebounds.
• Player assists, steals, and blocks.
• Team shooting percentages.
• Three-point and free-throw performance.
• Turnovers and personal fouls.
• Players who did not participate.

For statistical research, checking the original box score is important because different summaries may emphasize different categories or omit certain player statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers game on January 3, 2026?

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-108 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won by five points after outscoring Denver 25-11 in the fourth quarter.

2. Who scored the most points in the game?

Jamal Murray was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points for Denver. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 33 points, finishing just one point behind Murray.

3. How many rebounds did Cleveland and Denver record?

Cleveland collected 55 total rebounds, while Denver recorded 32. The Cavaliers finished with a 23-rebound advantage, including 14 offensive rebounds compared with Denver’s five.

4. How many points did Donovan Mitchell score against Denver?

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points. He also recorded six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and four turnovers.

5. What were Jamal Murray’s statistics against Cleveland?

Jamal Murray finished with 34 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one turnover, and six successful three-pointers. He was Denver’s leading scorer and the highest-scoring player in the game.

6. Why did Cleveland win despite committing more turnovers?

Cleveland overcame its 16 turnovers by shooting more efficiently, collecting 23 additional rebounds, and recording five more blocks than Denver. Its 25-11 advantage in the fourth quarter ultimately secured the victory.

Conclusion

The January 3, 2026, matchup between Denver and Cleveland was a strong example of how team performance can matter more than individual scoring achievements.

Jamal Murray delivered the game’s highest individual scoring total with 34 points, while Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 33. Both players produced excellent offensive performances, but the Cavaliers received stronger overall support from their team.

The biggest difference came through rebounding. Cleveland collected 55 rebounds compared with Denver’s 32, giving the home team a substantial advantage in possession control. The Cavaliers also shot 50% from the field, recorded 32 assists, and finished with eight blocks.

Denver’s biggest strengths were its lower turnover total and better free-throw accuracy. However, those advantages could not compensate for its rebounding disadvantage and fourth-quarter scoring decline.

The final 25-11 fourth-quarter result explains why Cleveland turned a nine-point deficit into a five-point victory.

Ultimately, the denver nuggets vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats show that Mitchell’s scoring, Cleveland’s balanced contributions, and its dominance on the boards were central to the 113-108 result. The matchup also demonstrates why a complete statistical analysis should consider shooting efficiency, rebounds, assists, defensive production, and quarter-by-quarter performance rather than focusing only on the leading scorers.