In a thrilling matchup, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a 125-113 win, despite Trey Murphy III’s impressive 41-point performance. Michael Porter Jr. shined for the Nuggets, scoring a season-high 36 points and leading his team to their third straight win. Nikola Jokic also put on a show with a triple-double, recording 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Porter bounced back from a poor shooting performance in the previous game by knocking down 7 of 12 from beyond the arc and was crucial to Denver’s success. The Nuggets overcame the Pelicans’ late comeback attempt and showcased their depth even with key players like Aaron Gordon, Russell Westbrook, and Peyton Watson sidelined due to injuries.
Zeke Nnaji stepped up in the absence of Gordon, contributing on both ends of the floor and providing solid defense against Zion Williamson. However, the Nuggets struggled to defend the three-point shot, allowing New Orleans to connect on 18 of 38 attempts from downtown.
Head coach Michael Malone acknowledged the defensive lapses but praised Nnaji’s effort and highlighted the need to make adjustments in guarding sharpshooters like Murphy. The win brought the Nuggets within 1.5 games of third place in the Western Conference, showcasing their potential for a strong playoff push.
The stage is set for a rematch between the Nuggets and the Pelicans, promising another exciting and competitive showdown at Ball Arena. Fans can expect a thrilling battle as both teams look to secure a crucial victory in their playoff race. Stay tuned for more Nuggets news by signing up for the Nuggets Insider for in-depth NBA analysis.
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