NBA ROUNDUP : Rockets’ Bid for Record Book Falls Short as Nuggets Roll

The Denver Nuggets denied Houston a line in the NBA record book, defeating the Rockets, 106-93, and blocking Houston’s bid to equal the league’ best start ever.

Houston, which entered the game at 22-1, was trying to equal the 23-1 start by the 1969-70 New York Knicks.

“There was no pressure on us,” Denver Coach Dan Issel said. “I don’t think many people expected us to win this game. This obviously is a great win for us.”

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf scored 24 points and Reggie Williams had 23 for Denver, which ended a nine-game road losing streak.

The loss was the first in 11 home games this season for Houston and ended a seven-game winning streak.

“The key to the win was defense,” said Dikembe Mutombo, who had 15 rebounds for the Nuggets. “We were able to stop the three-pointer and play tough against Hakeem (Olajuwon).”

Olajuwon had 35 points and 17 rebounds, but got little support. Otis Thorpe scored 15 points and Vernon Maxwell had 14 for the Rockets.

The Rockets were outshot, 47% to 37%.

Houston led at halftime, 47-45, but the Nuggets pulled ahead with an 18-8 run at the start of the third quarter, eventually building a 12-point lead. Brian Williams paced the third-quarter burst with 13 points.