Denver’s NBA Most Valuable Player, Nikola Jokić, overcame a slow start to deliver a 27-point triple-double, leading the Nuggets to a 132-129 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jokić, who secured his third MVP title in four years last season, also contributed 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Despite being held to just six points in the first half, the Serbian star expressed frustration over Denver’s recurring slow starts, which saw them trail by as many as 17 points in the third quarter.
The Nuggets took a 111-109 lead with just over four minutes left in regulation thanks to Julian Strawther’s layup. However, CJ McCollum put New Orleans back on top at 119-117 with 53.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Denver guard Jamal Murray responded with a step-back jumper to tie the game at 119-119 with nine seconds left. McCollum’s missed three-pointer sent the game into overtime.
In the extra session, Jokić dominated, scoring Denver’s first six points and helping the Nuggets hand the Pelicans their seventh consecutive loss.
“Seems like we just like it that way,” Jokić said, reflecting on Denver’s frequent late-game heroics. “But we should be more hungry.”
Murray also scored 27 points for Denver, while Russell Westbrook added 21 off the bench. Jordan Hawkins led New Orleans with 25 points, followed by McCollum with 24.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers secured their fourth straight victory in commanding fashion, pulling away in the second half to defeat the Sacramento Kings 122-95 on the road.
Pascal Siakam posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, leading an Indiana squad that scored 70 second-half points and featured seven players in double figures.
Myles Turner added 15 points, while star guard Tyrese Haliburton and reserve Ben Sheppard chipped in 14 points each. T.J. McConnell also shone off the bench with 12 points and 10 assists.
“We brought it from start to finish,” Sheppard said. “The energy we brought, both the bench and the starters – it was a great team win.”
De’Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 23 points, and Domantas Sabonis added 17 points and 21 rebounds. However, the Kings faced boos from their home crowd as they suffered their fourth straight loss.
“Tough night for us,” Kings coach Mike Brown admitted. “There are going to be nights when you don’t have it offensively, but we can’t give up 70 points in a half.” (AFP)
