November 14, 2026 | Sweet Science Sports (S³)
Eight consecutive victories over New Orleans. Another double-double from Nikola Jokić. Another reminder that Denver doesn't need to dominate the three-point line to win basketball games.
The Denver Nuggets continued their dominance over the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night, securing a 116-108 road victory behind another impressive performance from Nikola Jokić.
Denver extended its head-to-head winning streak against New Orleans to eight games, relying on efficient shooting, superior ball movement, and a commanding advantage in the paint.
Jokić finished with 26 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, and three steals while shooting 64.3% from the field.
Jamal Murray added 23 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, giving Denver another dependable offensive weapon.
Jokić Sets the Tone
Jokić dictated Denver's offensive rhythm throughout the contest.
His ability to operate as both a scorer and facilitator forced New Orleans to account for multiple offensive threats.
When the Pelicans attempted to contain his scoring, Jokić created opportunities for teammates. When defenders gave him room, he capitalized with efficient finishes.
Denver finished with 29 assists and shot 53% from the field.
Those numbers reflected an offense that consistently generated quality scoring opportunities.
Aaron Gordon contributed important finishes around the basket, while Murray provided perimeter scoring that prevented New Orleans from concentrating entirely on Jokić.
New Orleans Refuses to Go Away
Despite Denver's control, New Orleans refused to surrender.
The Pelicans produced a 6-0 run during the second quarter, demonstrating their ability to disrupt Denver's momentum.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 24 points and six rebounds, repeatedly attacking the defense.
Saddiq Bey added 16 points, while Jeremiah Fears contributed 13 points and seven assists.
The Pelicans also found success from beyond the arc, with timely three-pointers from Bey and Fears helping them remain competitive.
New Orleans shot 39% from three-point range compared with Denver's 25%.
That advantage kept the Pelicans within striking distance, but their inability to control the interior ultimately undermined the comeback effort.
The Difference Was Inside
| Category | Denver | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 116 | 108 |
| FG% | 53% | 42% |
| 3PT% | 25% | 39% |
| FT% | 76% | 64% |
| Rebounds | 47 | 38 |
| Assists | 29 | 25 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Points in Paint | 62 | 44 |
Denver's 62-44 advantage in points in the paint tells the story.
The Nuggets generated an 18-point advantage inside despite shooting considerably worse from three-point range.
They also outrebounded New Orleans by nine.
The Pelicans forced more turnovers, blocked more shots, and shot better from long distance. Denver countered by creating more efficient scoring opportunities and consistently attacking the basket.
S³ Player Spotlight
Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 26 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Steals | 3 |
| FG% | 64.3% |
Jokić's effectiveness wasn't limited to his 26 points.
His ten assists were just as important, allowing Denver to maintain offensive balance when New Orleans applied pressure.
With Murray contributing 23 points and nine assists, Denver's two primary offensive creators combined for 49 points and 19 assists.
Christian Braun added 17 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, providing another productive performance.
Final S³ Assessment
Denver's victory demonstrated why offensive efficiency and interior control remain critical components of winning basketball.
The Pelicans were competitive and produced several momentum-changing possessions, but their defensive shortcomings around the basket proved costly.
For Denver, Jokić remains the driving force behind an offense that can win in several different ways.
Eight consecutive victories against New Orleans also suggest something more significant than a single successful night. Denver has repeatedly found ways to exploit this matchup.
S³ Verdict: The Pelicans won the three-point shooting battle. Denver won the paint, the rebounding battle, and ultimately the game.
S³ | Sweet Science Sports
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