The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 100-86, at Pepsi Center on Wednesday night.

The Nuggets (28-12) came into the contest with their starting backcourt ailing, as Jamal Murray was battling a back issue while Gary Harris was dealing with a groin injury. Harris ultimately failed to suit up, while Murray played but was forced from the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Despite the health issues, Denver was able to take an impressive 57-42 lead over the Hornets (15-29) into intermission. Charlotte was able to knock 10 points off its deficit in the third quarter, but the home squad responded with a dominant final period in which they limited the visitors to just 17 points.

Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 20 points, adding nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington and Devonte' Graham generated matching 14-point, four-assist tallies. Miles Bridges matched his teammates' scoring total and added eight rebounds. Cody Zeller contributed 11 points.

iMichael Porter, Jr. led the Nuggets with 19 points and also collected eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee followed with 15 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant delivered 14 points, five boards, two assists and two blocks. Will Barton turned in 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Nikola Jokic mustered 12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. P.J. Dozier matched Jokic's scoring and also pulled down four rebounds.

The Hornets head back home to face the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.