New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
The Denver Nuggets dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 122–88 at Ball Arena on October 29, with Nikola Jokić leading the way with 21 points and Christian Braun adding 17 to secure a decisive 34-point victory. Denver's offensive efficiency was suffocating, shooting 53.3 percent from the field while draining 14 three-pointers and dishing out 40 assists on 56 rebounds. The Nuggets' third quarter proved decisive, outscoring New Orleans 39–11 to effectively put the game away early. New Orleans managed only 37.6 percent shooting with just seven made threes, while Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 21 points in a losing effort; Zion Williamson contributed 11 points but the offense never found rhythm. Denver's suffocating defense held New Orleans to a 90.0 defensive rating while the Nuggets posted a 125.6 offensive rating, a stark contrast to the Pelicans' 90.0 offensive output. The disparity in ball movement was evident—Denver's 40 assists versus New Orleans' 17 highlighted the Nuggets' superior spacing and execution. This lopsided result reinforces Denver's status as a Western Conference contender while raising questions about New Orleans' early-season consistency.
