Nikola Jokic Leads Nuggets Past Pacers 114-102 in Mexico City.
MEXICO CITY — Nikola Jokic delivered another strong all-around performance Saturday night, helping the Denver Nuggets defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-102 in an NBA regular-season matchup at Mexico City's sold-out arena. Jokic finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, setting the tone early with 10 first-quarter points. Cameron Johnson contributed 18 points, while Jamal Murray added 16 as Denver secured its fourth victory in five games. The Nuggets took control during the second quarter, using a 15-0 scoring run to capitalize on a four-minute stretch in which Indiana failed to score. Denver continued building its advantage, with Murray connecting on a jumper late in the first half to extend the lead to 64-37, the Nuggets' largest margin of the night. Despite facing a significant deficit, Indiana responded after halftime. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 23 points, while Larry Nance Jr. provided 15 off the bench. Indiana increased its offensive pressure in the third quarter, with Aaron Nesmith hitting consecutive three-pointers to reduce Denver's lead to 79-67. Quenton Jackson later converted a layup with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter, bringing the Pacers within 10 points and giving Indiana an opportunity to complete the comeback.
The Pacers continued their push in the fourth quarter when Jarace Walker knocked down a three-pointer to cut Denver's advantage to 102-95 with 7:26 remaining.
However, the Nuggets responded with six unanswered points, pushing their lead back into double digits and preventing Indiana from getting any closer. Denver's ability to respond under pressure proved crucial as the Nuggets maintained control down the stretch to secure the 12-point victory.
Indiana played without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who did not travel with the team because of a hamstring strain. The loss marked the Pacers' fifth defeat in their last six games.
Saturday's matchup also represented another milestone in the NBA's international expansion. It was the league's 35th game played in Mexico since NBA exhibition contests began in the country in 1992. Mexico has hosted more NBA games than any country outside the United States and Canada. The matchup also continued the league's strong attendance history in the country, with the last 12 NBA games held in Mexico selling out.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised the atmosphere and enthusiasm surrounding the event, emphasizing the importance of bringing NBA basketball to international audiences. For Denver, the victory provided another positive result as the team continued building momentum early in the season. Jokic's production, combined with contributions from Johnson and Murray, helped the Nuggets overcome Indiana's second-half rally.
Up Next: Denver travels to Houston to face the Rockets on Monday night, while Indiana heads to Dallas for a matchup against the Mavericks.
