Nuggets 141 - Pelicans 135 (10/24/2026): Jokić's Triple-Double Seals Win

The Denver Nuggets secured a high-scoring win over the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing 141-135 at Ball Arena. The game took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, marking the Nuggets' first victory of the regular season. Fans at the arena witnessed an intense showdown between the Western Conference rivals.

New Orleans started strong, outscoring Denver 38-24 in the first quarter. The Pelicans maintained their lead through the first half, heading into the break with a 73-57 advantage. However, the Nuggets began to find their rhythm in the second half.

Second Half Surge

Denver's comeback was sparked by impressive performances from their star players. Nikola Jokić led the charge with a triple-double, tallying 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jamal Murray contributed significantly, scoring 42 points, including crucial shots in the final quarter.

The Nuggets trailed by 16 points at halftime but managed to chip away at the Pelicans' lead in the third quarter. The Pelicans scored 35 points in the third, but Denver stayed close, adding 32 points of their own. This set the stage for a pivotal fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, Denver exploded for 37 points, turning the tide in their favor. The Pelicans struggled to keep up, only managing 18 points in the last quarter. This offensive burst allowed the Nuggets to seize the victory.

Key Performers

For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III shone with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Dejounte Murray added 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists to the team's effort. Despite their contributions, New Orleans couldn't hold off Denver's late-game heroics.

Derik Queen also made his presence felt for New Orleans, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. His efforts in the paint gave the Pelicans an inside presence, but it wasn't enough to stop the Nuggets' strong finish.

On the Nuggets' side, Trevon Brazile played a crucial supporting role, contributing 17 points and 9 rebounds. His energy on both ends of the floor helped Denver regain momentum during critical stretches.

Team Stats and Upcoming Games

The Pelicans shot 50.5% from the field and had a solid free-throw percentage of 80.0%. However, their 28.9% success rate from beyond the arc proved less effective. Meanwhile, the Nuggets shot 48.5% from the field and were more proficient with three-pointers at 31.9%.

New Orleans struggled with turnovers, giving up the ball 18 times compared to Denver's 11. This discrepancy contributed to the Nuggets' ability to capitalize on the Pelicans' mistakes and score crucial points.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans have a rematch against the Nuggets on October 28 at home. The Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors at home on October 26, aiming to continue their winning momentum.

Both teams hope to improve their standings in the Western Conference. The Pelicans seek their first win of the season, while the Nuggets aim to build on their recent success.

The game showcased the resilience and depth of both squads, setting up an interesting dynamic for their next meeting. Fans can expect another exciting contest as these two teams square off again soon.