For the net

This past Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets put on quite the performance at Ball Arena. They cruised to a 122-88 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans, thoroughly showcasing their balance, efficiency, and star power. They dominated the game without question, and we’re going to get into the details behind their domination down below.

Jokić Continues Historic Start to Season

Leading the Nuggets charge was Golden boy Nikola Jokić. The Serbian turned in another remarkable all-around performance with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. This rare feat ended up serving as his fourth consecutive triple-double to start the season. The only other NBA players to open a season with four straight triple-doubles are Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. And now, Jokić takes his place beside them in the history books.

With the Nuggets comfortably in control by the fourth quarter, Denver even sat Jokić late in the game. This goes to show you what type of night this was for the Nuggets.

A Crushing Third Quarter

While Jokić drew most of the media attention, this win was unquestionably a result of teamwork. Denver jumped out early and really separated themselves in the third quarter. They managed to outscore the Pelicans by an overwhelming margin that effectively put the game out of reach for them. The Nuggets shot efficiently across the roster and shared the ball well, finishing the night With 40 assists. This serves as a testament to how well they utilized possession and found open shooters.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans struggled to find consistent offense, and never cut into Denver’s lead once it ballooned.

Defense Sets the Tone

One of the most impressive aspects of their win was Denver’s Defense. This defense succeeded in holding New Orleans to just 88 points, far below their scoring average. The Nuggets pressured ball handlers, contested shots, and made the Pelicans work for every single point. And this, in turn, ended up forcing several turnovers in key moments.

What this Win Means

This decisive victory improves Denver’s record and puts the rest of the West on high alert. When the Nuggets are firing on all cylinders, they can overwhelm opponents in all phases of the game. And their conference rivals know this. With Jokić continuing to play MVP-level basketball and a supporting cast that looks ever-comfortable, Denver’s early season momentum is strong.

For the struggling pelicans, this game was one to forget. But maybe soon, they can nab their first win of the season and have a few nights worth remembering. To keep Pelicans fans happy, they’ll have to.