Jokic Triple-Double, Watson’s Career-High Propel Nuggets Past Pelicans, 125-118

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

NEW ORLEANS — Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118 on Wednesday night. Peyton Watson added a career-high 32 points, helping Denver secure its eighth win in nine games. Jamal Murray contributed 14 points, including a pair of free throws with 31 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Zion Williamson returned from a left hamstring injury that had sidelined him for eight games, scoring 14 points in 29 minutes for the Pelicans. Rookie Derik Queen, starting opposite Jokic at center, posted a season-high 30 points and nine rebounds while drawing nine turnovers from Jokic and fouling out with 2:44 left in the game. Trey Murphy III added 23 points for New Orleans, which suffered its seventh consecutive loss and fell to 0-3 under interim coach James Borrego. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points, the Pelicans narrowed the gap in the final minutes. However, former Pelican Jonas Valanciunas contributed 14 points and hit crucial jumpers to keep the Nuggets ahead. Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored 16 points, maintaining his streak of 11 or more points in all but one of New Orleans’ 15 games this season.

Watson scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the second half, extending Denver’s lead from 62-58 at halftime to 81-70. Jokic then took over, hitting a putback layup, a 7-foot pull-up jumper, and a three-pointer to give the Nuggets a 93-76 advantage.

Williamson’s return gave the Pelicans an early boost, as New Orleans raced to a 13-point lead in the first quarter. Denver steadily closed the gap, taking the lead for good when Watson’s three-pointer made it 51-49 with just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Up Next

• Nuggets: Visit the Houston Rockets on Friday night in NBA Cup West Group C play.

• Pelicans: Visit the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in NBA Cup West Group B play.