The New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets squared off in a high-stakes Western Conference battle on February 3, 2025. In an intense game featuring elite big men, the Nuggets secured a 118-110 victory, fueled by Nikola Jokić’s triple-double and clutch shooting from Jamal Murray.
The first quarter was evenly matched, with Zion Williamson attacking the paint for New Orleans, while Jokić facilitated Denver’s offense. The game remained neck-and-neck at halftime (56-54 Denver), with both teams executing at a high level.
The third quarter saw Denver pull ahead, as Jokić and Murray combined for 20 points in the period, extending the lead to 90-82 entering the fourth. The Pelicans attempted a late comeback behind Brandon Ingram’s mid-range shooting, but Michael Porter Jr. drilled back-to-back threes, sealing the win for the Nuggets.
Key Performances
Denver Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokić: 24 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists (triple-double).
- Jamal Murray: 28 points, 6 assists, 4 three-pointers.
- Michael Porter Jr.: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 three-pointers.
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Zion Williamson: 26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists.
- Brandon Ingram: 22 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds.
- CJ McCollum: 18 points, 7 assists.
Statistical Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Pelicans: 48.2%
- Nuggets: 50.6%
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Pelicans: 35.8% (10/28)
- Nuggets: 41.7% (12/29)
- Turnovers:
- Pelicans: 14
- Nuggets: 10
Takeaways
- Jokić’s MVP-level play continues, as he recorded yet another triple-double, dictating the pace of the game.
- The Nuggets’ perimeter shooting was the difference-maker, especially in the second half.
- The Pelicans struggled in crunch time, failing to generate quality shots in the final minutes.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
For more NBA game recaps, playoff projections, and power rankings, subscribe to our updates. Stay tuned as the NBA season intensifies!
