The New Orleans Pelicans faced a significant opportunity to capitalize on the absence of star center Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, but unfortunately, they let it slip away. In a game played on January 13, they experienced yet another disappointing defeat, losing 122-116 to a Nuggets team that was missing its key player.
Jamal Murray led the charge for Denver, scoring an impressive 35 points, while Peyton Watson contributed 31 points, helping the Nuggets stage a remarkable comeback by outscoring the Pelicans 16-6 in the last four minutes of the game. This loss stings even more for New Orleans, considering Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star, has been recovering from a hyperextended left knee injury he sustained on December 29.
Throughout much of the match, it seemed like the Pelicans were in control. They took the lead early in the second quarter and managed to maintain it until the start of the fourth quarter. At one point, they even held a nine-point advantage with a score of 69-60 with just over ten minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Despite several shifts in momentum during the fourth quarter, the Pelicans (now holding a record of 9-33) maintained a four-point lead at 110-106 with just over four minutes left on the clock. However, Denver (27-13) swiftly turned the tables with their decisive 16-6 run to close out the game, marking a tough 6-18 record for New Orleans at home in the Smoothie King Center.
Trey Murphy III stood out for the Pelicans, leading the team with 31 points in what has been a remarkable January for him, averaging 31.3 points across his first five games of the new year. Despite dominating the boards with a 50-33 rebounding advantage over the Nuggets, the Pelicans struggled with ball security, committing 14 turnovers compared to Denver's seven.
Following Murphy, Saddiq Bey added 17 points, while Jordan Poole (16), Zion Williamson (12), Derik Queen (10), and Jeremiah Fears (10) also contributed by scoring in double figures.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will have another opportunity to turn things around as they prepare to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., broadcasted on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network.
