Denver, CO
Denver Picks At Weak Spots, Defeats Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans had a 12-point lead with simply over 4 minutes remaining within the first half however the Denver Nuggets minimize that down to simply 3 factors when the halftime buzzer sounded. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. made two three-pointers to begin the third quarter and the Pelicans performed from behind the remainder of the best way. The 122-113 highway defeat is the ninth-straight loss for New Orleans.
The visiting Pelicans received the offense going however simply couldn’t cease two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic from getting Denver’s supporting forged concerned. Jokic completed with 26 factors, 18 rebounds, 15 assists, and the Nuggets had 5 gamers rating 10+ factors. Murray (32 factors, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Porter Jr. (13 factors, 5 rebounds) have been a mixed 15/33 capturing on the night time.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (15 factors) and Aaron Gordon (15 factors) additionally scored in double-figures. Denver, with the very best report within the Western Convention, solely gave 8 gamers important minutes. New Orleans, lacking Zion Williamson, simply didn’t have the firepower to maintain up.
Jan 31, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Pelicans ahead Herbert Jones (5) shoots the ball within the second quarter towards the Denver Nuggets at Ball Area. Obligatory Credit score: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports activities
Brandon Ingram (16 factors, 9 assists, 4 rebounds) performed over half-hour for the primary time since getting back from a toe damage. The previous All-Star continues to be knocking off some rust nonetheless, ending with 4 turnovers and making simply 5 of his 17 pictures.
CJ McCollum (7/19) led the crew in pictures tried, doubling up everybody however Ingram and Trey Murphy III. McCollum’s 21 factors, 7 assists, and a couple of rebounds additionally got here with 3 turnovers and he and Ingram tried to spearhead the offense.
Herb Jones, struggling by means of a weeks-long capturing hunch, discovered a rhythm in posting 21 factors, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. Fellow starters Murphy III (14 factors), Jonas Valanciunas (10 factors), and reserve Larry Nance Jr. (13 factors) helped hold issues shut however Willie Inexperienced’s squad couldn’t full the late comeback push.
It’s been a tricky highway journey for the Pelicans dealing with off towards European stars. New Orleans will journey to face Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks on Thursday following losses to Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo within the final week.