The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Jokic, Murray lead Nuggets past Pelicans 116-108
By Adrian Cole
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Nikola Jokic recorded 26 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and three steals as the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 116-108 on Saturday night at Smoothie King Center.
Jokic shot 9 of 14 from the field and came within two rebounds of a triple-double. Jamal Murray added 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, along with seven rebounds and nine assists, as Denver earned its seventh victory of the season.
Christian Braun contributed 17 points and seven rebounds for the Nuggets. Cam Johnson scored 12 points, while Aaron Gordon added 11.
Denver took control early, leading 29-23 after the first quarter and carrying a 56-51 advantage into halftime. The Nuggets went ahead for good on a Jokic floater at the 8:28 mark of the opening quarter and maintained the lead through the remainder of the game.
New Orleans challenged after the break, scoring 31 points in the third quarter to keep the margin within reach. But Denver produced an 11-0 run spanning the end of the third and beginning of the fourth, creating separation. The Nuggets reached their largest lead, 102-87, with 6:38 remaining.
The Pelicans were unable to close the gap. Denver finished with a 62-44 advantage in points in the paint, helping it maintain control despite New Orleans scoring 26 in the fourth quarter.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting and six rebounds. Saddiq Bey added 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole scored 14 points, while Jeremiah Fears and Jaron Pierre Jr. each finished with 13. Fears also recorded seven assists.
The loss extended New Orleans’ losing streak to six games and left the Pelicans with a 4-10 record. Denver improved to 7-4, continuing a stronger start as it received balanced scoring and playmaking from its leading contributors.
Adrian Cole
NBA, The Library Media
