Jokic Posts 35-Point Triple-Double in Nuggets' 23-Point Comeback Win Over Pelicans

Nikola Jokic recorded his 199th career triple-double as the Denver Nuggets rallied from a 23-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime.

The Denver Nuggets overcame a 23-point second-quarter deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime on Saturday night. Nikola Jokic led the rally with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 199th career regular-season triple-double. Jamal Murray scored a team-high 42 points, including two free throws with 17 seconds remaining in regulation to force the extra period.

Denver trailed 53-30 in the second quarter and entered halftime down 73-57 after New Orleans shot 65.9% in the first half. The Nuggets played short-handed without Cam Johnson, Alpha Diallo, Julian Strawther, and Spencer Jones. In the overtime period, Jokic scored eight points, while rookie Trevon Brazile contributed seven of his 17 total points. Brazile’s corner 3-pointer with 1:25 left in OT provided Denver a 133-129 lead.

Trey Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 26 points, followed by Dejounte Murray with 22. Derik Queen and Zion Williamson each added 17 points for New Orleans, which fell to 0-3 under first-year coach Jamahl Mosley. Despite the loss, the Pelicans confirmed center Yves Missi suffered only a knee contusion during Friday's game in Utah rather than a more severe injury.

Following the victory, Jokic addressed fans at Ball Arena who booed the team during their first-half struggles. He stated that supporters who booed the team are not welcome back, noting that the roster has a history of never quitting regardless of the situation. Denver outscored New Orleans 32-26 in the third quarter, with Jokic and Murray combining for 22 of those points, before erasing a 19-point fourth-quarter gap through a series of 3-pointers and an Aaron Gordon reverse dunk.