Pelicans vs Nuggets delivered a one-sided beatdown on Wednesday night at Ball Arena, as the Denver Nuggets obliterated the winless New Orleans Pelicans 122-88 behind Nikola Jokic’s historic fourth consecutive triple-double to start the 2025-26 NBA season. The Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup was never competitive after Denver unleashed a devastating 24-0 third-quarter run that turned a close game into a blowout and dropped New Orleans to an abysmal 0-4 record.
Pelicans vs Nuggets Final Score and Game Summary
Final Score: Denver Nuggets 122, New Orleans Pelicans 88
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
Attendance: 19,623
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Game Duration: 2 hours, 18 minutes
The Pelicans vs Nuggets contest was Denver’s third consecutive victory after opening the season with a loss at Golden State. For New Orleans, the 34-point defeat marked their worst loss of the young season and extended their winless start to four games—matching the worst beginning to a Pelicans season since the franchise relocated from Charlotte.
Related: Complete NBA Standings and Team Records
Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History with Fourth Straight Triple-Double
The Pelicans vs Nuggets game will be remembered primarily for Nikola Jokic’s extraordinary achievement. The three-time MVP recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 28 minutes of action, becoming only the third player in NBA history to begin a season with four consecutive triple-doubles.
Jokic Joins Elite Company
Jokic joined Oscar Robertson (1961-62) and Russell Westbrook (2020-21) as the only players to begin a season with four consecutive triple-doubles. The accomplishment is even more impressive considering Jokic sat out the entire fourth quarter with the game already decided.
The Serbian superstar has now recorded 168 career triple-doubles, trailing only Robertson (181) and Westbrook (202) on the all-time list. At 30 years old and playing at an MVP level once again, Jokic could realistically challenge Westbrook’s record within the next few seasons.
Jokic’s Efficient Dominance
Jokic shot 10 of 15 from the field and played just 28 minutes, showcasing the efficiency that has defined his Hall of Fame career. His court vision was on full display throughout the Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup, as he consistently found open teammates for easy baskets while also scoring when New Orleans tried to pack the paint.
Player Profile: Nikola Jokic Career Statistics and Records
The Devastating Third Quarter That Decided Pelicans vs Nuggets
While the Pelicans vs Nuggets game was relatively competitive through the first half—Denver led just 51-45 at halftime—the third quarter proved to be an absolute nightmare for New Orleans and one of the most dominant periods in recent Nuggets history.
24-0 Run Buries New Orleans
The Nuggets completed a 24-0 scoring run over 6:26 in the third quarter, turning a 58-51 lead into an insurmountable 82-51 advantage. During this stretch, the Pelicans couldn’t buy a basket, missing 12 consecutive field goal attempts while Denver’s offense clicked on every possession.
The run featured contributions from across the Nuggets roster:
- Jamal Murray hit back-to-back three-pointers
- Christian Braun scored on consecutive possessions
- Nikola Jokic completed his triple-double with assists and a thunderous dunk
- Aaron Gordon converted and-one opportunities
Denver outscored New Orleans 39-11 in the third quarter, completely destroying any hope the Pelicans had of making the game competitive down the stretch.
Coach Willie Green’s Frustration
Pelicans head coach Willie Green called two timeouts during the third-quarter collapse, but nothing could stop Denver’s momentum. After the game, Green expressed frustration with his team’s effort and execution, particularly on the defensive end where communication breakdowns led to numerous wide-open shots for the Nuggets.
The 28-point third quarter differential was the worst single-quarter performance by any NBA team through the first week of the 2025-26 season.
Game Analysis: NBA Advanced Game Statistics and Analytics
Jamal Murray and Christian Braun Provide Secondary Scoring
While Jokic grabbed headlines with his historic triple-double, the Pelicans vs Nuggets outcome was secured by strong performances from Denver’s supporting cast.
Jamal Murray’s Consistent Excellence
Jamal Murray scored 17 points in the Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup, continuing his hot start to the season. The Canadian guard is averaging 30.3 points per game through Denver’s first four contests, including a 43-point explosion against Minnesota just two nights earlier.
Murray’s ability to create his own shot and knock down contested three-pointers gives Denver a second elite offensive weapon alongside Jokic. In the third quarter, Murray’s scoring during the 24-0 run was instrumental in breaking the game open.
Christian Braun’s Breakout Campaign
Christian Braun also scored 17 points for the Nuggets, building on what has been a breakout start to his third NBA season. The former Kansas standout has seized the opportunity created by roster turnover, establishing himself as a legitimate starting wing in Denver’s rotation.
Braun’s athleticism and three-point shooting (he’s hitting 41.2% from beyond the arc through four games) provide spacing that allows Jokic and Murray to operate more freely. His defensive versatility also gives coach Michael Malone flexibility in matchups.
Jonas Valančiūnas’ Bench Impact
Jonas Valančiūnas dominated as both a facilitator and scorer off the bench, finishing with 6 points and 3 boards while helping Denver build a 51-33 lead in the second quarter. The veteran center’s ability to spell Jokic while maintaining offensive productivity has been a crucial addition for the Nuggets this season.
Player Stats: Complete Denver Nuggets Roster and Statistics
Zion Williamson’s Return Spoiled by Lopsided Defeat
The Pelicans vs Nuggets game marked the return of Zion Williamson after he missed Monday’s 32-point home loss to Boston with a left foot bone bruise. However, Williamson’s presence did little to change New Orleans’ fortunes in Denver.
Limited Impact from the Star Forward
Zion Williamson scored just 11 points after missing the Pelicans’ loss to visiting Boston on Monday night with a bone bruise in his left foot. The former number one overall pick looked hesitant at times, clearly favoring his injured foot and unable to attack the rim with his usual explosiveness.
Williamson finished 4-of-11 from the field with 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 24 minutes. While he started the game aggressively—Zion started aggressively with an early bucket and trip to the line—he disappeared for long stretches as Denver’s defense keyed in on him.
Injury Concerns Mount
Williamson has dealt with injuries throughout his six-year career and has yet to play a full season. Last year, he was limited to 30 games, and the early foot issue is a troubling sign for a player whose health has been the biggest obstacle to reaching his enormous potential.
The Pelicans desperately need Williamson at full strength if they hope to dig out of their 0-4 hole. Through two healthy games to start the season, he averaged 24 points while showing improved conditioning, but the foot injury has derailed that momentum.
Injury Report: Complete NBA Injury Updates and Status
Jordan Poole’s Struggles Continue for New Orleans
While Zion’s return provided hope for the Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup, guard Jordan Poole continued his inconsistent play that has plagued New Orleans early this season.
Poole led the Pelicans with 15 points but shot just 5-of-15 from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. The former Golden State guard has struggled with efficiency since arriving in New Orleans via trade, and Wednesday night was no exception.
The Pelicans acquired Poole hoping he could provide consistent scoring punch alongside Williamson and Dejounte Murray (who remains sidelined with injury). Instead, Poole’s 37.2% shooting through four games has been a liability rather than an asset.
Without secondary scoring options stepping up, New Orleans has been far too easy to defend. Against Boston on Monday, Jordan Poole led New Orleans with 22 points in the loss, but no other player scored more than 12. The same pattern repeated in Denver.
Pelicans vs Nuggets: The Depleted New Orleans Roster
The Pelicans vs Nuggets game highlighted just how undermanned New Orleans has been to start the season. Injuries have ravaged Willie Green’s rotation, forcing him to rely on inexperienced players in crucial roles.
Key Absences
New Orleans was already without Kevon Looney, their starting center who provides rim protection and rebounding. Additionally, guard Dejounte Murray (acquired in an offseason trade from Atlanta) has missed all four games with a hamstring strain.
The absence of Murray, who was expected to be the Pelicans’ primary playmaker and a defensive stopper, has been particularly damaging. Without him, New Orleans lacks both a true point guard and a perimeter defender capable of slowing down opposing wings.
Thin Frontcourt Rotation
DeAndre Jordan received a stand-up ovation as he was introduced for the Pelicans upon his return to Denver, but the veteran center provided little production in 12 minutes of action. At 37 years old, Jordan is clearly past his prime and unsuited for significant minutes on a team hoping to contend.
Rookie center Yves Missi has shown flashes—he blocked Jokic on one possession—but remains too raw to carry a heavy load against elite competition.
Team Analysis: New Orleans Pelicans Team Page and Roster
Statistical Breakdown: Pelicans vs Nuggets by the Numbers
The Pelicans vs Nuggets box score tells the story of complete Denver dominance across virtually every statistical category.
Shooting Percentages
Field Goal Percentage:
- Denver Nuggets: 61.1% (47-of-77)
- New Orleans Pelicans: 38.1% (32-of-84)
The 23-point gap in field goal percentage was the largest in any NBA game this season. Denver’s offensive efficiency was a clinic in ball movement, player movement, and high-percentage shot selection.
Three-Point Shooting:
- Denver Nuggets: 33.3% (12-of-36)
- New Orleans Pelicans: 28.6% (10-of-35)
While neither team shot particularly well from beyond the arc, Denver’s ability to score efficiently inside the arc more than compensated.
Rebounding Battle
Total Rebounds:
- Denver Nuggets: 54
- New Orleans Pelicans: 38
Denver’s 16-rebound advantage, led by Jokic’s 12 boards, gave the Nuggets countless second-chance opportunities and limited New Orleans to single possessions on most trips down the floor.
Bench Scoring
Bench Points:
- Denver Nuggets: 39
- New Orleans Pelicans: 22
The Denver bench scored 21 points in the first half for a +9 differential, providing crucial production when Jokic rested. Jonas Valančiūnas and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way with efficient scoring and smart playmaking.
Turnovers and Fast Break Points
Turnovers:
- Denver Nuggets: 11
- New Orleans Pelicans: 14
Fast Break Points:
- Denver Nuggets: 18
- New Orleans Pelicans: 6
Denver’s ability to limit turnovers while converting New Orleans mistakes into easy transition baskets exemplified their superior execution and decision-making.
Detailed Stats: Complete Pelicans vs Nuggets Box Score
Cam Johnson’s Injury Concern for Denver
The Pelicans vs Nuggets victory wasn’t without concern for Denver, as starting small forward Cam Johnson played through apparent discomfort.
Cam Johnson managed only 1 point in 16 first-half minutes and appeared to be dealing with the shoulder injury that had him listed as questionable before the game. Johnson’s limited production wasn’t a major factor given Denver’s dominant performance, but his health will be a concern going forward.
Starting small forward Cam Johnson left a previous game with a shoulder injury and may not play in upcoming contests if the issue persists. Denver’s depth at wing—with Christian Braun, Bruce Brown, and Julian Strawther all capable of stepping up—provides insurance, but Johnson’s three-point shooting and defensive versatility are important components of the Nuggets’ success.
Post-Game Reactions and Quotes
After the Pelicans vs Nuggets blowout, both coaches and players addressed the stark difference in performance between the two teams.
Willie Green’s Accountability
Pelicans coach Willie Green didn’t mince words about his team’s effort in the loss. “It’s one thing to not win a game. It’s a whole other thing to get kind of punked on your home floor,” Green said. “I’m part of that. It’s not just our (players), it’s all of us.”
Green’s reference to getting “punked” was from the Boston loss, but the sentiment applied equally to the Denver defeat. The Pelicans have been thoroughly outplayed in all four games this season, and Green is taking ownership while also challenging his players to respond with better effort and focus.
“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game,” Green said about the injuries. “Sometimes you deal with that as a team. The biggest thing you can do is be consistent as a leader.”
Michael Malone’s Satisfaction
Nuggets coach Michael Malone praised his team’s defensive intensity, particularly in the third quarter. “When we lock in defensively, we’re as good as anyone,” Malone said after the game. “That third quarter was about as complete as we’ve played all season—offense, defense, rebounding. That’s championship basketball.”
Malone also highlighted the bench’s contributions, noting that Denver’s depth will be crucial as the long NBA season unfolds.
Historical Context: Worst Starts in Pelicans Franchise History
The Pelicans vs Nuggets loss drops New Orleans to 0-4, tying the worst start in the modern franchise era (since relocating from Charlotte in 2002).
Previous 0-4 starts for the Pelicans/Hornets franchise:
- 2015-16: Started 0-6, finished 30-52
- 2021-22: Started 1-12, finished 36-46
- 2025-26: Currently 0-4
No team that has started 0-4 in the NBA’s 75+ year history has ever won an NBA championship that same season. While it’s still very early, the Pelicans have dug themselves a significant hole in the competitive Western Conference.
To make the playoffs, New Orleans will likely need to win at least 42-45 games, meaning they must go approximately 42-36 over their remaining 78 contests—a .538 winning percentage that seems challenging given the current injuries and chemistry issues.
Franchise History: New Orleans Pelicans Franchise Statistics
Betting Results and Fantasy Impact
The Pelicans vs Nuggets betting line heavily favored Denver, and the Nuggets covered with room to spare.
Betting Breakdown
Pre-Game Spread: Denver -13.5
Result: Denver won by 34 points (easily covered)
Over/Under: 238.5 points
Result: Total of 210 points (UNDER)
The 34-point margin of victory was the largest against the spread in Week 1 of the NBA season. Bettors who took Denver covered comfortably, though the low-scoring nature of the game meant the UNDER hit despite Denver’s offensive explosion in the third quarter.
Moneyline: Denver -750, New Orleans +530
Denver’s heavy moneyline favorite status paid off for bettors willing to lay the significant juice.
Fantasy Basketball Impact
Nikola Jokic delivered massive fantasy value despite playing just 28 minutes. His 21-12-10 triple-double, along with 2 blocks, provided elite numbers across all categories. Fantasy managers who drafted Jokic early are being rewarded with MVP-level production through four games.
Jamal Murray continues to be a fantasy steal for those who waited on guards. His 17-point, 5-assist performance in limited minutes (due to the blowout) has him averaging 30+ PPG to start the season.
Zion Williamson disappointed fantasy managers with just 11 points. His health concerns and inefficient shooting make him a risky play until he demonstrates full recovery from the foot injury.
What’s Next: Upcoming Schedules for Both Teams
Denver Nuggets Schedule
The Nuggets (3-1) will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Orlando Magic on Friday, November 1, at Ball Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET.
Denver then embarks on a challenging five-game road trip featuring stops in Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. The extended East Coast swing will test the Nuggets’ depth and resilience.
Key upcoming games:
- Friday 11/1: vs Orlando Magic (home)
- Sunday 11/3: at Miami Heat
- Tuesday 11/5: at Atlanta Hawks
- Thursday 11/7: at Philadelphia 76ers
New Orleans Pelicans Schedule
The Pelicans (0-4) desperately need a victory when they travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, November 1. Portland is also struggling at 1-3, making this a must-win opportunity for New Orleans.
After Portland, the Pelicans return home for a four-game homestand against Phoenix, Sacramento, Dallas, and Memphis—all winnable games if the roster gets healthy.
Key upcoming games:
- Friday 11/1: at Portland Trail Blazers
- Sunday 11/3: vs Phoenix Suns (home)
- Tuesday 11/5: vs Sacramento Kings (home)
- Thursday 11/7: vs Dallas Mavericks (home)
NBA Schedule: Complete NBA Game Schedule
The Bigger Picture: Western Conference Implications
The Pelicans vs Nuggets result reinforces the massive gap between contenders and pretenders in the Western Conference.
Denver, despite losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, looks like a legitimate championship contender once again. With Jokic playing at an historic level and Murray providing elite secondary scoring, the Nuggets have the foundation to compete with anyone.
New Orleans, conversely, faces an uphill battle to even make the play-in tournament. The Western Conference is stacked with talent—Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, Minnesota, and the Lakers all appear stronger than the injury-depleted Pelicans.
If Dejounte Murray can return healthy and Zion Williamson’s foot heals properly, New Orleans has the talent to salvage the season. But with each passing loss, the margin for error shrinks and playoff hopes dim.
The Bottom Line
The Pelicans vs Nuggets final score of 122-88 tells the story of two franchises heading in opposite directions. Denver’s championship pedigree, elite superstar, and deep roster make them one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. New Orleans’ injury woes, defensive struggles, and lack of depth have created an early-season crisis that requires immediate attention.
Nikola Jokic’s historic fourth consecutive triple-double will dominate headlines, but the Nuggets’ comprehensive team performance—particularly the devastating 24-0 third-quarter run—demonstrated why they remain among the league’s elite squads.
For the Pelicans, the 0-4 start is alarming but not insurmountable. The return of Dejounte Murray and a fully healthy Zion Williamson could transform this team’s fortunes. However, each loss adds pressure and makes the path to playoff contention more difficult.
The Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup highlighted the cruel reality of the NBA: health and depth matter just as much as talent. Denver has both. New Orleans, currently, has neither.
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