Nuggets 104 - Pelicans 91 (10/28/2026): Jokić Triple-Double Sparks Win

The Denver Nuggets visited the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The game took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and started at 8:00 PM. Denver came out on top with a score of 104-91, improving their record to 2-2.

In the first quarter, the Nuggets set the pace, scoring 37 points to the Pelicans' 18. Nikola Jokić led his team with a stellar performance. His double-double had him racking up 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Strong Start for Denver

The second quarter saw the Pelicans gain some ground, scoring 27 points. Despite this effort, the Nuggets held a solid lead at halftime. Jamal Murray contributed significantly with 23 points and 6 assists.

Heading into the third quarter, New Orleans continued to fight back. They scored 28 points, trying to close the gap. Zion Williamson was a driving force for the Pelicans, securing 25 points and 5 rebounds.

Denver's defense proved effective throughout the game. They recorded 11 steals and 5 blocks, disrupting New Orleans' rhythm. Aaron Gordon supported the defense with 11 rebounds and added 15 points.

Closing Out the Game

In the final quarter, the Nuggets maintained their composure. They scored 25 points to the Pelicans' 18, sealing their victory. Denver's impressive free throw shooting, hitting 94.7%, also played a crucial role.

Both teams showed areas for improvement, with Denver committing 17 turnovers. New Orleans struggled with their three-point shooting, making only 7 out of 30 attempts. Their shooting woes from deep played a part in the loss.

Rebounds were nearly even, with the Nuggets grabbing 42 and the Pelicans 41. Derik Queen helped New Orleans on the boards with 12 rebounds. Denver's effective ball movement also stood out, with the team totaling 30 assists.

Upcoming Games and Outlook

Denver will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, October 30. They will aim to build on this win as they travel to the Mortgage Matchup Center. Their balanced offense and defense will be key in their upcoming games.

The Pelicans have their next game at home against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, October 29. They will look to secure their first win of the season. Improving their three-point shooting might be a focus for New Orleans.

Denver's current standing in the Western Conference is 8th, and the Pelicans sit at 14th. Both teams have room to improve as the season progresses. The Nuggets aim to climb higher, while the Pelicans seek to turn their fortunes around.