Jokic and Murray Lead Nuggets Past Slumping Pelicans

Nikola Jokic recorded 26 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 116-108 in New Orleans on November 14. Jamal Murray contributed 23 points, collected seven rebounds and delivered nine assists, helping Denver win four of its last five games and improve to 3-0 against New Orleans this season.

The Pelicans made a late push in the first half, cutting Denver’s advantage to one point with 53 seconds before halftime. They pulled within two late in the third quarter, but the Nuggets rebuilt their lead. A DeMar DeRozan jumper put Denver ahead 102-87 with 6:36 to play, its largest margin of the game.

Zion Williamson paced New Orleans with 24 points, while Saddiq Bey scored 16. Rookie Jaron Pierre Jr. had 13 points in 23 minutes. Christian Braun supplied 17 points, grabbed seven boards and came up with four steals for Denver. Yves Missi returned from a knee injury that had kept him out for 10 games, recording three points, eight rebounds and four blocks while playing under a minutes restriction.

New Orleans has now lost six straight, including four home games. Trey Murphy missed his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury, and Dejounte Murray sat out for a second straight game with an ankle injury after requesting a trade on November 13. Denver is set to host Phoenix on November 16; New Orleans will host Golden State that night.