Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 125-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans during Friday night’s NBA action, achieving his 10th career triple-double against this specific team.
Jokic’s stellar performance included 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. This feat marks his 12th triple-double of the season and 117th in his career, with his successes against the Pelicans being notably the highest against any single team. Additionally, Jokic has consistently excelled against New Orleans, scoring 25 or more points in their last 14 encounters.
The Nuggets bounced back from a recent defeat to Utah, ending the Pelicans’ seven-game winning streak on the road. Jokic commented on the team’s strategy, noting their increased pace and aggression as key factors in their victory.
“We played a little bit faster, I think,” Jokic said. “We were the ones who were aggressive. We pushed the pace. I think that was the difference.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Supporting Jokic, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 20 points and nine assists. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson led with 30 points, then Jonas Valanciunas with 17 points, and Larry Nance Jr. with 13.
Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged the Nuggets’ strong start, setting the game’s tone. Despite a brief comeback attempt by the Pelicans, Denver maintained their lead, highlighted by Jokic’s extraordinary assist to Aaron Gordon and key plays from Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the final quarter.
“They got off to an early start in this building,” Green said. “They had a 37-point first quarter to 25 (for New Orleans); now it’s an uphill battle the rest of the game. That’s something they do well. They got off to early starts, and then they played with a lead. We’ve got to be better starting a game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Jokic’s unique behind-the-back, over-the-head pass to Gordon was a highlight, drawing comparisons to legendary players like Magic Johnson and ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich.
“I didn’t imagine the behind-the-back, over-the-head pass,” Malone said. “When you’re a young kid watching NBA basketball, that’s Magic Johnson, that’s `Pistol’ Pete Maravich, the guys that just had this pizazz to their game. Nikola can beat you a lot of ways and that was definitely one of the best passes I’ve seen him make.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Jokic modestly attributed the play to his quick reaction in getting the ball to an open Gordon.
“I just saw him for a blink of an eye, and I just wanted to pass to him as soon as I can,” Jokic said. “Because he’s open in that moment, not a moment after that. So, that was the quickest way to pass him the ball.”
Looking ahead, the Pelicans face the Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back games, while the Nuggets host the Indiana Pacers.
