The Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, secured a 125-113 win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Despite the Nuggets’ lead exceeding 20 points at times, Zion Williamson’s impressive performance in the last quarter helped keep the New Orleans Pelicans in the game.
Jokic finished the game with a triple-double, his 12th of the season and the 117th of his career. He recorded 27 points, 14 assists, and ten rebounds. On the other side, Williamson led the Pelicans with 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Jokic led the Nuggets from the start against the Pelicans. In the first few minutes, he contributed to 11 of Denver’s first 15 points. However, the Pelicans managed to take a three-point lead. The Nuggets regained the lead after an 11-2 run.
With another basket from Jokic, they were ahead 26-20. The Nuggets’ reserves then extended the advantage, with Christian Braun’s basket making it 37-25.
The second quarter proved to be even worse for the Pelicans. Jamal Murray and Reggie Jackson increased the Nuggets’ lead to 17 points.
However, the Pelicans showed some fight with three-pointers, reducing the gap to ten points. But it didn’t go any lower.
The Nuggets quickly regained control, especially with Jokic’s contributions. They extended their lead to 19 points, and by the end of the first half, they were up 66-51.
The Nuggets continued their dominance in the third quarter, quickly extending their lead to 20 points with Jokic and Michael Porter leading the charge. The Pelicans managed to score 16 points, but the Nuggets maintained a comfortable 14-point lead.
The Nuggets remained in control despite the Pelicans’ efforts to reduce the lead
Aaron Gordon extended the lead, and with Jokic’s twelfth assist, the Nuggets were ahead 94-73. The defending champions continued to dominate, ultimately winning the game 125-113.
The Denver Nuggets secured their 27th win of the season, while the New Orleans Pelicans now have 23 wins and 16 losses.
