Pat Graham/NBA.com
DENVER (AP) Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points, rookie Emmanuel Mudiay added 11 in his first game in a month and the Denver Nuggets held off Charlotte 95-92 on Sunday night, extending the Hornets' losing streak to seven games.
The Nuggets didn't score over the final 4:17 but squeaked out the win after Nicolas Batum's shot at the buzzer clanged off the side of the rim.
Mudiay was back on the court after missing 14 games with a sprained right ankle. The Nuggets needed him, too, with Jameer Nelson out after straining his left hip flexor.
Denver also was missing forward Kenneth Faried following the birth of his daughter.
Cody Zeller and Jeremy Lamb each scored 15 for the Hornets, who wound up winless on a four-game road swing. Batum contributed nine points after missing the previous four games with a sprained toe on his right foot.
Denver was seemingly in control leading 95-85 with 4:17 remaining after a 3-pointer by Will Barton. But then the Nuggets went cold and the Hornets took advantage, cutting the deficit to three on a 3-pointer by Marvin Williams with 45.7 seconds left.
After Gallinari missed an off-balance, left-handed 3-point attempt with 18.8 seconds to go, Charlotte called timeout to set up a play. Kemba Walker was off the mark on a shot with 3.9 seconds left and then Batum missed another at the horn.
After one of their best opening quarters of the season, the Nuggets extended their lead to 13 early in the second. But that quickly evaporated with the Hornets going on a 21-2 run that helped them take a 56-53 lead at halftime. Everyone contributed, too - the starters and reserves each scored 28 points.
TIP-INS
Hornets: With a jumper in the first quarter, Walker moved into sole possession of sixth place on the Hornets' career points list. ... Spencer Hawes drew a technical in the second quarter for yelling at an official after not getting a call. ... Frank Kaminsky had 14 points.
Nuggets: Mudiay played in his first game since Dec. 11 against Minnesota. ... Jusuf Nurkic had seven points, seven rebounds and a technical in 13:54. ... Nikola Jokic had a career-best nine assists.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME?
When the schedule was announced, Denver coach Michael Malone was looking forward to this eight-game homestand. But the Nuggets have struggled at Pepsi Center this season, going 6-11.
"It's a challenge for us to find a way to generate our own energy, because the reality is that we do not have a great home-court advantage," Malone said. "When we do have great support or great fan attendance, they're usually here for the other team. That's the reality of it right now. We have to build this up where our fans are excited enough to come here to support us."
UP NEXT
Hornets: Host Atlanta on Wednesday.
Nuggets: Host Golden State on Wednesday.
Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points, rookie Emmanuel Mudiay added 11 in his first game in a month and the Denver Nuggets held off Charlotte 95-92 on Sunday night, extending the Hornets' losing streak to seven games.