Nuggets pull off stunning upset in Philadelphia without their starters
Jan 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
In one of the most improbable victories of the NBA season, the Denver Nuggets pulled off a remarkable feat by winning 125-124 in overtime on the road against the Philadelphia Sixers. A performance all the more impressive as the Colorado team was without its five usual starters and had only nine available players.
Jalen Pickett leads Denver to historic victory
Without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson, the Nuggets found unlikely heroes to create the upset. Jalen Pickett was the main architect of this victory by exploding his personal record with 29 points, including a remarkable 7-for-11 from three-point range. The guard displayed unwavering confidence throughout the game.
Peyton Watson (24 points) and Zeke Nnaji (21 points, tying his career high) perfectly supported Pickett in this memorable night. Opposite them, Joel Embiid (32 points, 10 rebounds) and Tyrese Maxey (28 points) set the tone for Philadelphia, but it wasn’t enough against the visitors’ determination.
Bruce Brown seals controversial victory
Down 100-92 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Nuggets went on an impressive 14-0 run to turn the situation around. Hunter Tyson made his mark with a 4-point play during this decisive sequence. Maxey tied it 120-120 with 49 seconds left in regulation, sending both teams to overtime.
In those grueling five extra minutes (final score 5-4), it was Bruce Brown who secured the win. His layup on the fast break first hit the backboard before Joel Embiid‘s intervention, which was called for goaltending by the officials. This controversial call with 5 seconds remaining gave the Nuggets the final advantage.
Tyrese Maxey had one last chance to save the Sixers, but his floater at the buzzer missed the mark. Paul George, struggling offensively with only 8 points on 3-for-10 shooting, couldn’t provide the necessary help to his team despite his defensive efforts.
This victory demonstrates the remarkable depth and mentality of the Nuggets’ roster, capable of pulling off the upset even with their C team against a Philadelphia squad that was heavily favored at tip-off.
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