Denver carries a five-point halftime edge after New Orleans answered its opening-quarter surge.
Denver set the pace with a 29-23 first quarter, but New Orleans narrowed the gap by winning the second 28-27; the Nuggets lead 56-51 at the break. Nikola Jokic has 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jamal Murray added 10 points and four assists. Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears lead the Pelicans with nine points apiece, and Derik Queen has seven points and four assists. After the break, watch whether New Orleans can turn its second-quarter momentum into a tighter game while slowing Denver’s playmaking duo.
Key Performers
Nikola Jokic (Denver): 12 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST Jamal Murray (Denver): 10 PTS, 4 AST Jordan Poole (New Orleans): 9 PTS