Nikola Jokić Records Sixth Triple-Double in Nine Games as Nuggets Defeat Pacers 117–100

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DENVER — Nikola Jokić once again showcased why he remains one of the NBA’s most dominant forces. The reigning MVP recorded his sixth triple-double in nine games this season, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 117–100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night at Ball Arena. Jokić finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, marking another all-around performance as the Nuggets closed out a four-game homestand undefeated. Despite playing without key starters Jamal Murray (left calf tightness) and Aaron Gordon (left hamstring), Denver’s depth stepped up to keep the offense flowing. Jalen Pickett joined the starting lineup, and Peyton Watson added a season-high 16 points in an expanded role. Head coach David Adelman emphasized the team’s cautious approach regarding Gordon’s health, noting his athleticism and importance to Denver’s long-term success. “If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension,” Adelman said before the game. “Aaron’s a guy we have to protect because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big and jump that high and explode like that.” The Pacers, struggling through a rough stretch to open the season, dropped their eighth game in nine outings. Andrew Nembhard returned from a left shoulder strain that sidelined him for seven games, contributing 22 points in his comeback. Aaron Nesmith led Indiana with 25 points, while newly signed guard Monte Morris added one point in 15 minutes off the bench.

Jokić sealed his triple-double midway through the third quarter with a crisp assist to Cam Johnson. The Pacers briefly cut the deficit to 64–61, helped by a technical foul assessed to Gordon while sitting on the bench, but Denver regained control and never looked back.

By the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets had reestablished a double-digit lead, and Jokić’s deep three-pointer midway through the fourth put the game out of reach at 109–88. The win improved Denver’s record as they continue to dominate at home early in the season.

Up Next:The Pacers will travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, while the Nuggets hit the road for a matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.