Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Indiana Pacers 117–100 on November 8 at Ball Arena, with Nikola Jokić leading the way on 32 points as Denver's third-quarter explosion proved decisive. The Nuggets outscored Indiana 39–35 in the third frame, extending their advantage and controlling the final stretch despite a sluggish fourth quarter that saw them manage just 22 points. Denver shot 48.4 percent from the field and made 8 three-pointers while maintaining a stingy 96.2 defensive rating; the Pacers managed only 35.5 percent shooting and committed 11 turnovers against Denver's 16. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 17 points for the hosts, who also dominated the glass with 55 rebounds to Indiana's 43. Aaron Nesmith (25 points) and Andrew Nembhard (22 points) led the Pacers' offense, but Indiana's third-quarter collapse—being outscored by 4 in a period where they needed to keep pace—proved insurmountable. Denver's balanced attack generated 32 assists and an offensive rating of 112.4, showcasing the kind of execution that keeps them competitive atop the West.
