Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have Denver ahead, but Zion Williamson is keeping New Orleans within six.
Denver’s 56-51 halftime lead survived a New Orleans 31-30 third quarter, and the Nuggets have added two points in the fourth to lead 88-82 on Saturday. Denver entered at 6-4 and No. 12 in the power index, while the Pelicans were 4-9 and No. 25. Nikola Jokic has led the Nuggets with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, seven rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray has 17 points and six assists. Zion Williamson has answered with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, and Jaron Pierre Jr. has supplied 13 for New Orleans.
Key Performers
Nikola Jokic (Denver): 22 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST Zion Williamson (New Orleans): 18 PTS, 5 REB Jamal Murray (Denver): 17 PTS, 6 AST