Jokic Leads Denver Past Indiana in Mexico City

Jokic set the pace early, scoring 10 points in the first quarter as Denver built an advantage. The Nuggets took control with a 15-0 run during an Indiana scoring drought in the second, and their lead reached 27 points after halftime. The game drew 20,191 spectators to Arena CDMX, where the crowd’s loudest cheers were for Jokic, despite Indiana being the designated home team.

The Pacers rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 37-26. Aaron Nesmith hit consecutive 3-pointers as Indiana cut into the deficit, and the team entered the final period trailing 90-78. Jarace Walker’s 3-pointer brought the Pacers within seven with 7:26 remaining, but Denver responded with six consecutive points and held on.

Jokic finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Cameron Johnson scored 18 for Denver, while Jamal Murray added 16 points and eight assists. The Nuggets have won four of their past five games.

Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 23 points, and Larry Nance Jr. had 15 for Indiana, which has lost five of its last six. Indiana was missing guard Tyrese Haliburton, an All-Star, who stayed behind because of a hamstring strain.

Denver visits Houston and Indiana travels to Dallas on Monday night.