Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125–118 on November 19 at Smoothie King Center, with P. Watson leading Denver's balanced attack with 32 points and N. Jokić adding 28 points. Denver's offense was the decisive factor, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and connecting on 11 three-pointers while distributing 35 assists, though the Nuggets committed 20 turnovers. New Orleans, led by D. Queen's 30 points and T. Murphy III's 23 points, couldn't overcome Denver's second-quarter explosion—the Nuggets outscored the Pelicans 36–28 in the period to seize control. Denver's defensive rating of 110.7 held the Pelicans to 44.9 percent shooting and just 7 three-pointers made. New Orleans' fourth-quarter surge (35 points) came too late to overcome the deficit. The Nuggets' efficiency advantage and superior ball movement proved decisive in a matchup that saw Denver maintain its offensive edge despite New Orleans' late-game push. Denver's win strengthens its positioning in the Western Conference standings.
