Nuggets – Pelicans 125-118: Record Watson and another triple-double from Jokic
The Denver Nuggets celebrated an important road victory, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118, on a night where Peyton Watson and Nikola Jokic starred. Watson had a career-best 32 points and 12 rebounds, while the Serbian superstar added another triple-double with 28 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.
Williamson’s impressive return – Record and absences
Zion Williamson returned to action after missing eight games with a left bicep injury, but was limited to 14 points in 29 minutes.
For the Pelicans, rookie Derrick Quinn scored a season-high 30 points, while Trey Murphy III added 23 and Jeremiah Fiers 16. Despite the effort, the Pelicans suffered their seventh straight loss and remain winless in three games under interim coach James Borrego.
In Denver, Aaron Gordon is out managing a hamstring injury, with Zeke Nagy taking his first starting five spot of the year. Jamal Murray scored 16 points, while Jonas Valatiunas and Cameron Johnson added 14 apiece. Bruce Brown had 12 points and late rebounds.
How the game unfolded – The Nuggets breakout
The Pelicans came out strong and led by 13 points in the first twelve minutes, but the Nuggets quickly responded, taking a 62-58 halftime lead and building a double-digit lead in the third period. Denver entered the fourth quarter with a 97-83 lead and even reached +19.
New Orleans fought back at the end with a 17-4 run, getting within 6 points in the final minute. However, Murray was cool on the shots, Quinn missed a three-pointer and the Nuggets “locked up” the double.
Just before the final, Brown scored off a steal, giving Jokic his 10th assist and 9th triple-double of the season and 14th of his career against the Pelicans.
