New Orleans built a 16-point halftime cushion with a blistering first quarter, and Denver still has ground to make up.
New Orleans set the tone with 38 points in the first quarter, taking a 73-57 lead into halftime after Denver answered with 33 in the second. The Pelicans remain ahead 75-61 early in the third, with Denver’s 4-2 start after the break barely moving the margin. Jamal Murray has 19 points, including four threes, to lead Denver’s push. Trey Murphy III has 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting for New Orleans, while Nikola Jokic has 13 points and seven assists but four turnovers. After the break, Denver needs to turn its scoring into a sustained run, while the Pelicans will look to keep Murphy’s efficiency and their lead intact.
Key Performers
Jamal Murray (Denver): 19 points, 4-for-7 from three Trey Murphy III (New Orleans): 15 points, 6-for-8 shooting Nikola Jokic (Denver): 13 points, 7 assists, 4 turnovers