New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats
The new orleans pelicans vs denver nuggets match player stats tell the story of one of the most dramatic games of the 2026-27 NBA season. The Denver Nuggets overcame a 23-point deficit, forced overtime, and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 at Ball Arena in Denver. The game featured outstanding individual performances, a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, and a triple-double from Nikola Jokic.
Jamal Murray was Denver’s leading scorer with 42 points, while Jokic contributed 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. On the New Orleans side, Trey Murphy III led the scoring with 26 points, followed by Dejounte Murray with 22. Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen also finished with 17 points apiece.
What made this matchup particularly interesting was the contrast between the first three quarters and the final stages. New Orleans controlled much of the game and entered the fourth quarter with a substantial advantage. Denver, however, found another level offensively, outscoring the Pelicans 37-18 in the fourth quarter before taking control in overtime.
This breakdown covers the final score, complete player performances, team statistics, quarter-by-quarter results, individual contributions, and the most important moments that decided the contest.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The matchup took place at Ball Arena, where Denver hosted New Orleans in an early-season Western Conference contest. Although the Pelicans started strongly, Denver’s experience, shot-making, and late-game execution ultimately made the difference.
Here are the main details:
| Game Information | Details |
| Matchup | New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets |
| Competition | NBA |
| Season | 2026-27 |
| Game date | October 25, 2026 |
| Venue | Ball Arena |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Attendance | 19,905 |
| Final score | Nuggets 141, Pelicans 135 |
| Game status | Final, Overtime |
| Leading scorer | Jamal Murray |
| Most rebounds | Nikola Jokic |
| Most assists | Nikola Jokic |
| Best Pelicans scorer | Trey Murphy III |
| Overtime winner | Denver Nuggets |
The contest attracted 19,905 spectators, and the home crowd witnessed a significant turnaround. Denver did not simply recover from a small early deficit. The Nuggets had to overcome a 23-point disadvantage, regain control of the game, and deliver when the result was still undecided.
The final score also highlights the offensive quality of both teams. New Orleans scored 135 points, which would normally be enough to win many NBA games. Denver’s 141-point performance, however, proved decisive.
Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The scoring pattern explains exactly how Denver turned an almost certain defeat into an overtime victory.
| Quarter | New Orleans Pelicans | Denver Nuggets |
| First Quarter | 38 | 24 |
| Second Quarter | 35 | 33 |
| Third Quarter | 35 | 32 |
| Fourth Quarter | 18 | 37 |
| Overtime | 9 | 15 |
| Final Score | 135 | 141 |
Points scored by quarter
New Orleans and Denver scoring, including overtime.
■ Pelicans
■ Nuggets
First Quarter: New Orleans Takes Control
New Orleans opened the game with impressive offensive energy. The Pelicans scored 38 points in the first quarter, while Denver managed only 24.
The 14-point difference gave the visitors an excellent starting position. Their offense found opportunities around the basket, and their players converted scoring chances at a high rate.
Denver struggled to establish the same offensive rhythm. Although the Nuggets had capable scorers on the floor, they could not match New Orleans’ early production.
One important detail is that a strong opening quarter does not guarantee control over an entire NBA game. Denver eventually demonstrated why maintaining defensive discipline and offensive patience matters over four quarters.
Second Quarter: Pelicans Extend Their Advantage
New Orleans continued its excellent scoring performance in the second quarter.
The Pelicans added 35 points, while Denver scored 33. This meant New Orleans entered halftime with a 73-57 advantage.
The difference was significant because the Pelicans had maintained their scoring efficiency across two quarters instead of relying on one exceptional shooting period.
Denver remained competitive, but the Nuggets had not yet found a reliable way to stop New Orleans from creating quality scoring opportunities.
Third Quarter: Denver Begins Its Response
The third quarter ended 35-32 in favor of New Orleans.
Although the Pelicans won the quarter, Denver began showing signs of a comeback. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic became increasingly important to the offense.
Their combined scoring helped Denver remain within reach despite the substantial deficit.
New Orleans still had a 19-point advantage entering the final quarter. At that point, the Pelicans appeared to have a strong chance of securing the victory.
However, the fourth quarter completely changed the direction of the contest.
Fourth Quarter: Denver Produces a 37-Point Comeback Quarter
The fourth quarter was the defining period of the game.
Denver scored 37 points, while New Orleans managed only 18. That 19-point swing erased the Pelicans’ advantage and forced overtime.
Jamal Murray’s perimeter shooting became especially important. He repeatedly found opportunities to score, while Jokic helped Denver create better offensive possessions through his passing and scoring.
Aaron Gordon also contributed to the comeback with an important reverse dunk, while Denver’s improved execution placed increasing pressure on the Pelicans’ defense.
New Orleans struggled to maintain its earlier offensive rhythm. Shots that had fallen during the first half became more difficult to find.
The Pelicans also faced the challenge of protecting their lead against a Denver team that was gaining confidence with every successful possession.
Overtime: Denver Finishes the Job
Both teams entered overtime after finishing regulation tied at 126 points.
Denver scored 15 points in the extra period, compared with nine from New Orleans.
Jokic scored eight of his 35 total points in overtime. His ability to combine scoring with rebounding and playmaking gave Denver a major advantage.
Trevon Brazile also delivered an important contribution. He scored seven overtime points, including a corner three-pointer that helped Denver establish a four-point lead.
The Nuggets ultimately secured the 141-135 victory.
Complete New Orleans Pelicans Player Statistics
The Pelicans had several productive individual performances. Their players scored 135 points, collected 50 rebounds, and recorded 33 assists.
However, the team’s strong offensive production during the opening three quarters was not enough to protect its lead.
The following table presents the player statistics from the supplied game box score.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | FT |
| Zion Williamson | 17 | 1 | 2 | 7-11 | 0-1 | 3-5 |
| Trey Murphy III | 26 | 6 | 4 | 10-17 | 4-8 | 2-2 |
| DeAndre Jordan | 9 | 9 | 2 | 3-3 | 0-0 | 3-4 |
| Dejounte Murray | 22 | 6 | 6 | 9-18 | 1-6 | 3-4 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 10 | 6 | 2 | 4-12 | 0-2 | 2-2 |
| Herbert Jones | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 0-0 |
| Saddiq Bey | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3-9 | 2-7 | 6-8 |
| Karlo Matkovic | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1-1 | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Derik Queen | 17 | 8 | 2 | 6-10 | 0-1 | 5-5 |
| Jordan Poole | 6 | 3 | 7 | 2-6 | 2-5 | 0-0 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 9 | 4 | 4 | 4-9 | 1-5 | 0-0 |
PTS = points, REB = rebounds, AST = assists, FG = field goals, 3PT = three-pointers, FT = free throws.
Trey Murphy III: New Orleans’ Leading Scorer
Trey Murphy III was the Pelicans’ most productive scorer, finishing with 26 points.
His shooting performance was particularly impressive:
- 10 successful field goals on 17 attempts.
- Four three-pointers on eight attempts.
- Two successful free throws on two attempts.
- Six rebounds.
- Four assists.
- One steal.
Murphy’s 10-of-17 shooting represented approximately 58.8% field-goal accuracy. His four successful three-pointers also provided New Orleans with valuable perimeter scoring.
What stands out is that Murphy produced efficiently without depending entirely on free throws. He created a significant portion of his scoring through successful field-goal attempts.
However, his minus-17 plus/minus figure shows that Denver outscored New Orleans by 17 points during his time on the court.
This does not mean Murphy individually played poorly. Plus/minus measures the team’s scoring margin while a player is playing, not the player’s individual performance in isolation.
Dejounte Murray: A Strong Scoring and Playmaking Performance
Dejounte Murray delivered another important offensive contribution with 22 points and six assists.
His final numbers included:
- 22 points.
- Six rebounds.
- Six assists.
- Two steals.
- One block.
- Nine successful field goals on 18 attempts.
Murray converted 50% of his field-goal attempts. His six assists also demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for teammates.
For New Orleans, this combination of scoring and playmaking was important because it reduced the pressure on Murphy and Williamson to generate every offensive possession.
Nevertheless, Murray finished with a minus-16 plus/minus figure. Denver’s second-half comeback significantly affected that number.
Zion Williamson: Efficient Scoring Near the Basket
Zion Williamson finished with 17 points on seven successful field goals from 11 attempts.
His shooting percentage was approximately 63.6%, making him one of New Orleans’ more efficient scorers.
His complete contribution included:
- 17 points.
- One rebound.
- Two assists.
- Two steals.
- Two blocks.
- Three turnovers.
Williamson’s scoring efficiency was valuable, particularly because his attacking style creates pressure around the basket.
However, his one rebound was relatively low for a forward who can contribute physically in the paint.
His offensive performance was solid, but New Orleans needed more collective defensive and rebounding consistency during the closing stages.
DeAndre Jordan: Perfect Field-Goal Shooting
DeAndre Jordan produced a useful performance around the basket.
He recorded nine points, nine rebounds, and two assists while converting all three of his field-goal attempts.
His statistics included:
- 9 points.
- 9 rebounds.
- 2 assists.
- 3-of-3 field goals.
- 1 block.
- Zero turnovers.
Jordan’s nine rebounds were the highest total among Pelicans players in the supplied box score.
His ability to finish close-range opportunities helped New Orleans maintain its early offensive advantage.
Although he did not lead the team in scoring, his rebounding and efficient shooting provided an important supporting contribution.
Derik Queen: An Important Contribution From the Bench
Derik Queen finished with 17 points and eight rebounds.
He converted six of his 10 field-goal attempts and made all five of his free throws.
His performance was particularly encouraging because he contributed in multiple areas rather than focusing exclusively on scoring.
Queen’s numbers included:
- 17 points.
- Eight rebounds.
- Two assists.
- Five successful free throws on five attempts.
- Zero turnovers.
His perfect free-throw performance helped New Orleans convert opportunities when Denver’s defense forced the Pelicans away from easy baskets.
Queen also finished with a plus-two rating, one of the stronger figures among New Orleans players.
Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears: Supporting Playmakers
Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears contributed in different ways.
Poole scored six points but led New Orleans with seven assists. His ability to distribute the basketball helped create scoring opportunities for Murphy, Williamson, and other teammates.
Fears recorded 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists. He also finished with a plus-eight plus/minus figure, the best among the Pelicans players listed in the box score.
These performances demonstrate that individual value cannot always be measured through scoring alone.
A player who creates opportunities, defends effectively, or contributes to positive team possessions can have an important impact without recording a high point total.
Other Pelicans Contributions
Saddiq Bey added 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He also made six of eight free throws.
Bennedict Mathurin finished with nine points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Herbert Jones contributed two points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Karlo Matkovic scored three points on a perfect one-of-one shooting performance.
Trendon Watford, Julian Reese, Bryce McGowens, and AJ Johnson did not play because of the coach’s decision.
Complete Denver Nuggets Player Statistics
Denver’s victory was supported by an outstanding performance from its two primary offensive stars.
Jamal Murray scored 42 points, while Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double. Their combined production was central to Denver’s comeback.
The Nuggets finished with 141 points, 51 rebounds, and 26 assists.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | FT |
| Aaron Gordon | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2-9 | 1-6 | 2-4 |
| Bryce Hopkins | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| Nikola Jokic | 35 | 15 | 10 | 12-23 | 3-10 | 8-8 |
| Jamal Murray | 42 | 3 | 6 | 12-25 | 8-16 | 10-13 |
| Christian Braun | 15 | 8 | 2 | 7-11 | 0-3 | 1-2 |
| Marvin Bagley III | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 1-2 |
| Trevon Brazile | 17 | 9 | 0 | 6-11 | 3-7 | 2-4 |
| Cam Whitmore | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2-5 | 0-2 | 0-0 |
| DeMar DeRozan | 12 | 3 | 3 | 4-10 | 0-2 | 4-4 |
| Tyus Jones | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2-2 |
Jamal Murray: The Game’s Leading Scorer
Jamal Murray delivered the most explosive individual scoring performance of the matchup.
He finished with 42 points, making him the leading scorer for either team.
His shooting numbers were:
- 12-of-25 field goals.
- Eight successful three-pointers on 16 attempts.
- 10-of-13 free throws.
- Three rebounds.
- Six assists.
- One steal.
- One block.
- Zero turnovers.
Murray converted 48% of his field-goal attempts and 50% of his three-point attempts.
His eight successful three-pointers were particularly important because Denver needed high-value scoring opportunities to reduce the Pelicans’ advantage.
The most impressive part of his performance was his combination of scoring volume and ball security. He attempted 25 field goals and reached the free-throw line 13 times without recording a turnover.
His plus-14 rating was also the highest among Denver’s players in the supplied statistics.
Murray’s performance demonstrated why elite guard scoring can change the direction of a game, especially when a team is attempting to recover from a substantial deficit.
Nikola Jokic: A Dominant Triple-Double
Nikola Jokic produced one of the most complete performances of the contest.
He finished with:
- 35 points.
- 15 rebounds.
- 10 assists.
- Two steals.
- Three blocks.
- Six turnovers.
- 12-of-23 field goals.
- Eight-of-eight free throws.
Jokic recorded a triple-double by reaching double figures in points, rebounds, and assists.
His 15 rebounds were the highest total in the game, while his 10 assists demonstrated his importance as Denver’s primary offensive facilitator.
His performance was especially important during overtime, when he scored eight points.
Jokic’s ability to score from different areas, secure rebounds, and create opportunities for teammates makes him difficult to defend through a single defensive approach.
If opponents focus too heavily on stopping his scoring, he can find open teammates. If they allow him space, he can punish them with efficient shooting and physical play.
One area that deserves attention is his six turnovers. Although Jokic was outstanding overall, New Orleans did create some defensive pressure against him.
Even so, his overall contribution was decisive.
Christian Braun: Valuable Two-Way Performance
Christian Braun scored 15 points and collected eight rebounds.
He converted seven of his 11 field-goal attempts and added two assists and two steals.
His statistics included:
- 15 points.
- Eight rebounds.
- Two assists.
- Two steals.
- Seven-of-11 field goals.
- Plus-15 plus/minus.
Braun’s scoring was efficient, but his defensive contribution also mattered.
Two steals helped Denver create additional possessions, while his rebounding provided support around the basket.
His plus-15 figure was the highest among the Nuggets players listed in the supplied box score.
This performance illustrates the value of supporting players in a game dominated by two superstars.
Trevon Brazile: An Important Overtime Contributor
Trevon Brazile finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.
He made six of 11 field-goal attempts and converted three of seven three-point attempts.
His contribution included:
- 17 points.
- Nine rebounds.
- Three three-pointers.
- One steal.
- Two blocks.
- Plus-10 plus/minus.
His seven overtime points were particularly valuable.
Brazile’s corner three-pointer with approximately 1:25 remaining in overtime helped Denver establish a 133-129 advantage.
That shot gave the Nuggets important breathing room and increased the pressure on New Orleans to respond.
His nine rebounds and defensive activity also helped Denver maintain its advantage during the extra period.
Aaron Gordon: Important Plays Beyond Scoring
Aaron Gordon finished with seven points, five rebounds, and four assists.
His shooting was not particularly efficient, as he made only two of nine field-goal attempts.
However, his contribution should not be evaluated through points alone.
Gordon recorded two steals and helped create defensive opportunities. His reverse dunk during Denver’s comeback was also an important moment.
He finished with a plus-10 rating, suggesting that Denver performed well overall during his time on the court.
DeMar DeRozan: A Reliable Supporting Scorer
DeMar DeRozan scored 12 points, collected three rebounds, and recorded three assists.
He made four of 10 field-goal attempts and converted all four free throws.
Although he did not have the same scoring volume as Murray or Jokic, his experience and ability to create mid-range opportunities gave Denver another offensive option.
His presence also meant that New Orleans could not concentrate all its defensive attention on Denver’s two leading scorers.
Other Nuggets Contributions
Marvin Bagley III scored five points and collected four rebounds while making both of his field-goal attempts.
Cam Whitmore contributed four points, two rebounds, and one steal.
Bryce Hopkins and Tyus Jones each scored two points.
Zeke Nnaji, DaRon Holmes II, and Ryan Nembhard did not enter the game.
Team Statistics: Pelicans vs Nuggets Comparison
Individual performances explain much of the result, but team statistics provide a broader picture of how the contest developed.
| Statistical Category | Pelicans | Nuggets |
| Total Points | 135 | 141 |
| Field Goals Made | 50 | 48 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 99 | 99 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 51% | 48% |
| Three-Pointers Made | 11 | 15 |
| Three-Pointers Attempted | 38 | 47 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 29% | 32% |
| Free Throws Made | 24 | 30 |
| Free Throws Attempted | 30 | 39 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 80% | 77% |
| Total Rebounds | 50 | 51 |
| Assists | 33 | 26 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 11 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 6 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 14 | 14 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 36 | 37 |
| Personal Fouls | 29 | 28 |
Field-Goal Efficiency Favored New Orleans
The Pelicans made 50 of their 99 field-goal attempts, giving them a shooting percentage of approximately 50.5%.
Denver made 48 of 99 attempts, finishing at approximately 48.5%.
This means New Orleans converted a higher percentage of its overall field-goal attempts.
However, shooting percentage alone does not determine the winner.
Denver attempted nine more three-pointers and converted four more than New Orleans.
The Nuggets also made six additional free throws.
These differences helped compensate for their lower overall field-goal percentage.
Three-Point Shooting Gave Denver an Advantage
Denver made 15 three-pointers from 47 attempts, compared with 11 from 38 attempts for New Orleans.
The Nuggets therefore scored 45 points from beyond the arc, while the Pelicans scored 33.
That created a 12-point difference in three-point scoring.
In a game decided by six points, this difference was especially important.
Denver’s willingness to generate perimeter attempts helped the team recover even when its overall shooting percentage was lower.
Free Throws Provided Additional Scoring Opportunities
The Nuggets converted 30 free throws from 39 attempts.
New Orleans made 24 from 30 attempts.
Although the Pelicans had a better free-throw percentage, Denver attempted nine additional free throws.
The difference of six successful free throws was another important factor in the final result.
Rebounding Was Almost Even
Denver collected 51 rebounds, while New Orleans recorded 50.
The difference was too small to suggest that one team completely controlled the boards.
Both teams secured 14 offensive rebounds.
This indicates that second-chance opportunities were available to both sides.
Jokic’s 15 rebounds were a major individual contribution, but the overall team totals remained close.
Turnovers Helped Denver Protect Its Comeback
New Orleans recorded 18 turnovers, compared with 11 for Denver according to the supplied team statistics.
That seven-turnover difference is important.
Every turnover can remove a scoring opportunity and potentially create a transition chance for the opposing team.
Denver’s ability to limit mistakes during its comeback helped it maintain offensive pressure.
The Nuggets also finished with seven more assists than New Orleans according to the supplied totals? No. New Orleans actually recorded seven more assists, with 33 compared with Denver’s 26.
That distinction matters: Denver won through scoring efficiency in key moments, perimeter production, and late-game execution rather than leading every team statistical category.
Why Did the Denver Nuggets Beat the New Orleans Pelicans?
Denver’s victory was not the result of one isolated performance. Several factors combined to produce the comeback.
1. Jamal Murray’s Perimeter Scoring
Murray’s 42 points gave Denver a dependable scoring option throughout the game.
His eight three-pointers were especially valuable because they helped the Nuggets reduce the deficit without relying exclusively on difficult shots near the basket.
New Orleans had difficulty containing his scoring during the decisive stages.
2. Nikola Jokic Controlled Multiple Areas of the Game
Jokic’s triple-double was another major factor.
He contributed in three essential areas:
- Scoring: 35 points.
- Rebounding: 15 rebounds.
- Playmaking: 10 assists.
His ability to influence different parts of the game made Denver’s offense more flexible.
When the Pelicans concentrated on Murray, Jokic could create opportunities for other players. When New Orleans tried to limit Jokic, Denver still had Murray’s perimeter scoring.
3. The Fourth-Quarter Defensive Improvement
Denver allowed New Orleans to score 108 points across the first three quarters combined? The actual first-three-quarter total was 108, while the Nuggets scored 89.
The biggest defensive improvement came in the fourth quarter, when Denver held New Orleans to only 18 points.
This was a substantial change from the Pelicans’ earlier production.
New Orleans had scored 38, 35, and 35 points in the first three periods. Suddenly, its offense produced fewer than 20 points in the fourth.
That change allowed Denver to erase the deficit.
4. Better Three-Point Production
Denver converted 15 three-pointers, compared with 11 for New Orleans.
Those additional perimeter baskets were important because they provided more scoring value without requiring Denver to increase its overall field-goal accuracy.
Murray was the leading contributor in this category, making eight three-pointers.
5. Stronger Execution in Overtime
Overtime requires teams to make decisions under pressure.
Denver handled that situation more effectively.
Jokic’s scoring, Brazile’s important three-pointer, and Murray’s offensive pressure helped the Nuggets take control.
New Orleans managed nine overtime points, but Denver’s 15-point performance proved sufficient to secure the victory.
Key Individual Matchup Comparisons
Looking at the leading players side by side makes the differences between the teams easier to understand.
| Player Comparison | Pelicans | Nuggets |
| Leading scorer | Trey Murphy III, 26 | Jamal Murray, 42 |
| Second leading scorer | Dejounte Murray, 22 | Nikola Jokic, 35 |
| Best rebounder | DeAndre Jordan, 9 | Nikola Jokic, 15 |
| Best playmaker | Jordan Poole, 7 AST | Nikola Jokic, 10 AST |
| Most efficient featured scorer | Trey Murphy III | Nikola Jokic |
| Notable supporting scorer | Derik Queen, 17 | Trevon Brazile, 17 |
| Best listed plus/minus | Jeremiah Fears, +8 | Christian Braun, +15 |
Jamal Murray vs Dejounte Murray
Both players made important contributions, but Jamal Murray had the stronger scoring performance.
Jamal finished with 42 points, while Dejounte recorded 22.
Dejounte offered a more balanced distribution of scoring and defensive contributions, including six assists and two steals.
However, Jamal’s perimeter shooting and ability to score under pressure made the difference.
Nikola Jokic vs Zion Williamson
Jokic and Williamson have different offensive responsibilities.
Williamson is particularly dangerous when attacking the basket, while Jokic can control the game through scoring, passing, and rebounding.
Williamson scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, demonstrating excellent efficiency.
Jokic produced 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The difference was not simply about scoring. Jokic influenced more areas of the game and played a major role in Denver’s comeback.
Trey Murphy III vs Christian Braun
Murphy was New Orleans’ leading scorer with 26 points.
Braun scored 15 points but contributed eight rebounds and two steals.
Murphy had the larger offensive role, while Braun provided a more balanced supporting performance.
Both players were important, but Braun’s plus-15 rating reflected Denver’s strong overall results during his playing time.
What the Plus/Minus Statistics Reveal
Plus/minus is one of the most misunderstood basketball statistics.
It measures the difference between a team’s points scored and points allowed while a particular player is on the court.
For example, Jamal Murray finished with a plus-14 rating.
This means Denver outscored New Orleans by 14 points during his time on the floor.
The highest listed figures from the game were:
| Team | Player | Plus/Minus |
| Pelicans | Jeremiah Fears | +8 |
| Pelicans | Herbert Jones | +7 |
| Pelicans | Derik Queen | +2 |
| Nuggets | Christian Braun | +15 |
| Nuggets | Jamal Murray | +14 |
| Nuggets | Nikola Jokic | +11 |
| Nuggets | Aaron Gordon | +10 |
| Nuggets | Trevon Brazile | +10 |
A positive rating does not automatically mean a player performed better than everyone with a negative rating.
A player may contribute effectively while sharing the court with teammates who struggle defensively. Similarly, a player may finish with a positive rating without scoring many points.
The best approach is to evaluate plus/minus alongside points, rebounds, assists, shooting percentages, turnovers, and defensive contributions.
The Importance of the Pelicans’ Missed Opportunities
New Orleans had several opportunities to win this game.
Its first-half performance was excellent, and the team maintained a significant advantage into the final quarter.
However, three areas deserve closer attention.
Protecting a Large Lead
A 19-point advantage entering the fourth quarter should provide a strong foundation for victory.
New Orleans needed to continue running its offense rather than becoming overly focused on protecting the score.
When teams become passive with a large lead, opponents often gain more opportunities to increase their defensive pressure.
Denver took advantage of that situation.
Maintaining Offensive Rhythm
The Pelicans scored 108 points through three quarters but managed only 18 in the fourth.
That decline was significant.
The team needed more consistent shot creation and better execution when Denver increased its defensive intensity.
Murphy and Dejounte Murray remained productive, but New Orleans struggled to maintain its earlier team-wide scoring output.
Limiting Denver’s Perimeter Opportunities
Denver’s 15 successful three-pointers created a significant scoring advantage.
New Orleans made 11.
The difference became particularly important during the comeback, when Denver needed efficient scoring to recover quickly.
Better perimeter defense could have made the final stages more difficult for the Nuggets.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
New Orleans Pelicans: Positive Signs Despite the Defeat
The Pelicans can take several encouraging points from this performance.
First, their offensive production was excellent for three quarters.
Second, Murphy, Dejounte Murray, and Williamson all demonstrated their ability to contribute significant scoring.
Third, Derik Queen’s 17 points and eight rebounds offered another useful offensive option.
However, the late collapse highlighted the importance of defensive consistency.
New Orleans needs to improve its ability to protect leads, manage pressure, and execute offensive possessions late in games.
A defeat does not erase the positive aspects of the performance, but the fourth-quarter breakdown provides clear areas for improvement.
Denver Nuggets: Experience and Offensive Depth
Denver’s victory demonstrated the value of having multiple players capable of influencing a game.
Murray supplied explosive scoring, while Jokic controlled the game through his all-around performance.
Braun contributed on both ends of the floor, and Brazile provided valuable production during overtime.
The Nuggets also received useful contributions from DeRozan and Gordon.
Their biggest positive takeaway was the ability to remain competitive after falling significantly behind.
However, allowing 135 points is not an ideal defensive outcome. Denver will still need to improve its defensive consistency against teams capable of producing strong offensive performances.
How to Read NBA Match Player Statistics Correctly
A box score provides a large amount of information, but understanding the numbers is essential.
Here are the most important statistics to examine when evaluating a basketball game.
Points (PTS)
Points measure how many successful scoring points a player produces.
A player can score through:
- Two-point field goals.
- Three-point field goals.
- Free throws.
Murray’s 42 points made him the leading scorer in this matchup.
Field Goals (FG)
Field goals show how many shots a player successfully makes compared with the total number attempted.
For example, Murphy’s 10-of-17 performance means he converted 10 of his 17 field-goal attempts.
A higher field-goal percentage generally indicates better shooting efficiency, although shot difficulty and player role also matter.
Three-Pointers (3PT)
Three-point statistics measure successful shots made from beyond the three-point line.
Denver’s 15 successful three-pointers provided a clear advantage over New Orleans.
This category is especially important in modern basketball because three-point shots provide more points per successful field goal.
Rebounds (REB)
Rebounds measure how many times a player collects the ball after a missed shot.
There are two main types:
- Offensive rebounds: Recovering the ball after a teammate’s or opponent’s missed shot on offense.
- Defensive rebounds: Securing the ball after the opposing team misses.
Jokic led the matchup with 15 rebounds.
Assists (AST)
Assists are credited when a player’s pass directly leads to a successful field goal.
Jokic’s 10 assists demonstrate his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Steals (STL) and Blocks (BLK)
Steals measure defensive actions that take possession away from the opponent.
Blocks measure successful defensive actions that stop or alter an opposing field-goal attempt.
Both categories help explain defensive contributions that points alone cannot show.
Turnovers (TO)
Turnovers occur when a team or player loses possession without attempting a successful field goal.
They can result from:
- Bad passes.
- Offensive fouls.
- Ball-handling mistakes.
- Violations.
New Orleans’ 18 turnovers compared with Denver’s 11 were an important statistical difference.
Player Efficiency and Shooting Context
It is also useful to consider how many opportunities a player required to produce their points.
For example, a player scoring 20 points on 12 attempts may have delivered a more efficient performance than someone scoring 20 points on 25 attempts.
This is why points should always be evaluated alongside field-goal attempts, three-point attempts, free throws, and turnovers.
For readers interested in official basketball statistics, the NBA official Pelicans vs Nuggets game report provides another reference for the matchup, its scoring progression, and game information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets game?
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime on October 25, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver.
2. Who scored the most points in the game?
Jamal Murray was the leading scorer with 42 points. He also recorded three rebounds, six assists, and eight successful three-pointers.
3. How many points did Nikola Jokic score against the Pelicans?
Nikola Jokic scored 35 points. He also collected 15 rebounds and recorded 10 assists, finishing with a triple-double.
4. Who was the Pelicans’ leading scorer?
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 26 points. He made 10 of 17 field-goal attempts, including four three-pointers.
5. How did the Nuggets overcome the Pelicans’ lead?
Denver outscored New Orleans 37-18 in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Nuggets then scored 15 points in overtime, compared with nine from the Pelicans.
6. Which player recorded the most rebounds?
Nikola Jokic led all players with 15 rebounds. DeAndre Jordan was New Orleans’ leading rebounder with nine.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets’ 141-135 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans was a remarkable example of resilience, offensive quality, and late-game execution.
Jamal Murray’s 42 points provided the scoring power Denver needed, while Nikola Jokic’s 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists demonstrated his all-around value.
For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III led the offense with 26 points, while Dejounte Murray added 22. Zion Williamson and Derik Queen also finished with 17 points each.
The biggest difference was Denver’s fourth-quarter response. The Nuggets outscored New Orleans 37-18 before adding another six-point advantage in overtime.
The statistics also reveal several important lessons. Denver made more three-pointers, converted more free throws, and committed fewer turnovers according to the supplied team totals. New Orleans had better overall field-goal accuracy and more assists but could not maintain its early advantage.
Ultimately, this matchup demonstrated how quickly an NBA game can change when a team combines elite individual performances with improved execution during the most important moments.
