Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images/Reuters; Logos via sportslogos.net
The New Orleans Pelicans were defeated by the Denver Nuggets 104-91 on Wednesday night inside the Smoothie King Center. With the loss, the Pelicans are now 0-4, still looking for their first win of the 2026-27 season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Last time out, New Orleans (0-4) fell to Denver (2-2) on the road, blowing a more than 20-point lead. This time, the start was fast for the Nuggets. They jumped out to an early lead, taking control in the first quarter. By the end of the period, New Orleans had not led and Denver held a 37-18 advantage.
That lead would be maintained throughout the rest of the half. The lead got to as many as 22, but the Pels worked to shrink that before the half. They ended with Zion Williamson scoring their final six points, getting the lead down to 12 at 57-45.
In the third quarter, New Orleans again took a chunk out of the lead. Trailing by 15 in the late stages of the quarter, the Pelicans orchestrated a 9-0 run. That made it just a six-point game at 79-73 entering the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, Denver held their lead. It got down to five at several points, but Nikola Jokic and company never let it get closer than that. Jokic led the way with a triple-double, scoring 21 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists. His teammate Jamal Murray chipped in with 23 as well.
For the Pelicans, Williamson led all scorers with 25. No one else had more than 11 in the losing effort.
BIG NUMBER: 4
The Pelicans suffered their fourth straight loss to start the season. After three heartbreakers, this one was not as close. Denver led wire-to-wire.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Nikola Jokic
The triple-double was the driving force in this Denver win. The multi-time NBA MVP was effective again, dishing another loss to the Pelicans in this one.
UP NEXT: The Pelicans will stay home and play host to the Sacramento Kings tomorrow night at 7:00 PM inside the Smoothie King Center.
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