Denver has a weird relationship with the regular season. If you just look at the raw denver nuggets team stats right now, you might see a team that is dominant one night and totally disinterested the next. Honestly, that’s just the Mile High lifestyle. As of mid-January 2026, the Nuggets are sitting at a cool 28-13 record. That’s good enough for second in a Western Conference that feels like a meat grinder every single night.
They’re chasing an Oklahoma City team that seems to never lose, but nobody in Denver is sweating it. You’ve got the best player in the world, a point guard who turns into a flamethrower when the lights get bright, and a supporting cast that is finally starting to find its rhythm.
The Offensive Machine: By the Numbers
The Nuggets currently own the number one offensive rating in the NBA at 123.5. That is basically offensive perfection. They aren't just beating teams; they’re dissecting them. Most of this comes down to the fact that they lead the league in scoring at 122.6 points per game.
It’s not about volume, though. It’s about efficiency. Denver is kinda picky about their shots. They rank near the bottom of the league in three-point attempts—22nd to be exact—but they are 9th in makes. Basically, if a Nugget pulls up from deep, it’s probably going in.
Nikola Jokic is having another "is he even human?" type of year. He’s averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists. Yes, a center is averaging a 30-point triple-double while shooting over 60% from the field. It’s a joke.
Jamal Murray has been the perfect partner-in-crime. Even with some nagging ankle and calf issues that have kept him out of a few games here and there, he’s putting up 25.8 points and 7.5 assists. When Murray and Jokic are both on the floor, Denver’s net rating sky-rockets.
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What’s Up With the Defense?
If there is a "but" in the story of the 2025-26 Nuggets, it’s the defensive end. They rank 25th in defensive rating (118.1). That’s not great.
They’re giving up 117.2 points per game. Some of that is the pace—they play at a middle-of-the-pack 98.3—but some of it is just effort. You can tell they sometimes coast. They’ll give up 130 to a bottom-feeder like Chicago or 147 to Miami in a weird December blowout, and then turn around and hold a contender like Boston to 110 in a gritty win.
Peyton Watson has been the standout on this end. He’s averaging a block and a steal per game, often taking the toughest perimeter assignment. Without his length and energy, that defensive rating would likely be even uglier.
The Depth and the New Guys
The supporting cast looks a bit different this year. Aaron Gordon is still the glue, chipping in 18.5 points and 6.2 boards, but the bench has some fresh faces.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a scoring spark off the bench, averaging 13.8 points and hitting over 41% of his threes.
- Peyton Watson isn't just a defender anymore; he's scoring 13.8 a night.
- Jalen Pickett has been a massive surprise. When Murray was out recently, Pickett stepped up with 14 points a game and shot nearly 50% from three.
They also added Jonas Valanciunas for some veteran muscle. He’s only playing about 13 minutes a game, but he’s grabbing nearly 5 rebounds in that tiny window. It gives Jokic a chance to actually sit on the bench without the team falling apart immediately.
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The Clutch Factor Paradox
Here is a stat that will surprise you: Denver is only 9-9 in clutch games this year.
Usually, the Nuggets are the kings of the fourth quarter. But this season, their offensive efficiency drops to 106.0 points per 100 possessions in the clutch. That’s a huge dip from their league-leading 123.5 overall.
Is it fatigue? Or maybe they’re just testing out different sets? Honestly, it’s probably a bit of both. They’ve had a lot of games where Jokic is sidelined—like his recent knee issue—and the team has to learn how to close without the security blanket of a three-time MVP.
Real Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you're tracking the denver nuggets team stats for betting or just because you’re a die-hard fan, keep an eye on the schedule. They have a massive home stretch coming up at Ball Arena against Washington, Charlotte, and the Lakers.
Denver is historically much better at home. The altitude is real, and their chemistry in that building is unmatched. If they want to catch OKC for the number one seed, they have to sweep these home stands.
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The defense is the only real red flag. Historically, championship teams don't rank in the bottom five for defense. But we also know the Nuggets have a "switch" they flip in April.
Watch the injury report closely. Nikola Jokic’s knee and Jamal Murray’s ankle are the two most important variables in the Western Conference. If they are healthy, the stats say they are the best offense in the league by a mile.
To stay ahead of the curve, monitor the defensive rating over the next 10 games. If they can move into the top 15, they are favorites to win it all. If they stay in the 20s, the road back to the Finals is going to be a lot harder than they want it to be.
Focus on the Net Rating (currently +5.4, 6th in NBA) rather than just the wins and losses. That's the real indicator of how much "extra gear" this team actually has. Keep an eye on the turnover rate during Murray's solo stretches, as that has been the main culprit in their rare blowout losses.