Denver's 19-Point Opening Burst Keeps Pelicans Chasing

Denver opened with a 37-18 first quarter, building a 19-point cushion before New Orleans began chipping away. The Pelicans outscored the Nuggets 55-42 across the second and third quarters, cutting Denver’s lead to 79-73 after three. Nikola Jokic leads Denver with 21 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds, while Jamal Murray has added 16 points and four threes. Zion Williamson has 20 points for New Orleans, keeping the comeback within reach as the fourth quarter begins.