Free throws have been holding the Denver Nuggets back all year, but for the second straight game, they came through in the clutch to pull out a 118-110 (tacos!!) victory over the Houston Rockets. It wasn't the nail biting finish we witnessed against the Indiana Pacers, but the Nuggets hit eight of ten free throws down the stretch to help seal the victory and improve to 3-0 against the Houston Rockets this year.

The game started out tight with neither team taking a lead larger than four during the first half. The Houston Rockets looked to be in control near the end of the third quarter after Marcus Morris nailed a three point shot to put the Rockets up 85-77. The Nuggets responded however, forcing the Rockets into six turnovers and six straight missed shots to propel them to 24-3 run, and they never looked back.

Danilo Gallinari, who helped spark the big run with two key three pointers, poured in 27 points on 10-17 shooting to lead the Denver Nuggets to their fifth straight win. The Manimal, Kenneth Faried, finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds after being selected to represent the Nuggets in the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.

The Nuggets nearly blew another fourth quarter lead, but some big defensive stops and timely free throws helped the Nuggets prevail. Both teams were sloppy, each committing over 20 turnovers, but the Nuggets were able to convert the Rockets turnovers into 26 fast break points. This win was the Nuggets' 12th in the month of January as they continue to fight for playoff positioning.

Next up for the Nuggets are the New Orleans Hornets who come to Pepsi Center after losing to the Utah Jazz tonight.