Jokic and Murray lead Nuggets back from 23 down to beat Pelicans in overtime

Denver recovered from a 23-point deficit to beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime on Saturday, with Jamal Murray scoring 42 points and Nikola Jokic producing a triple-double. The Guardian’s agency report said Jokic finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, including eight points in the extra period. The victory came in the Nuggets’ first home game of the season.

Watch the highlights:

New Orleans had controlled much of the contest. The Pelicans made 65.9% of their shots in the opening half and built their largest advantage before Denver reduced the gap to 73-57 at the interval. Jokic and Murray then accounted for 22 of Denver’s 32 third-quarter points, but even that contribution did not stop New Orleans from taking a 19-point lead into the fourth quarter.

Denver’s recovery featured three-pointers by Murray and Jokic and a reverse dunk from Aaron Gordon. Murray had an opportunity to put the Nuggets ahead with 17 seconds remaining in regulation, but converted two of three free throws to level the score. The teams went to overtime, where Denver moved in front and completed the turnaround after spending the earlier stages trying to close the deficit.

Rookie Trevon Brazille made a significant contribution in his home debut, scoring seven of his 17 points in overtime. His three-pointer from the corner with 1:25 remaining gave Denver a 133-129 advantage. The Nuggets were without Cam Johnson because of an ankle issue and Alpha Diallo because of a sprained wrist. Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones also remained unavailable.

Trey Murphy III scored 26 points for New Orleans, while Dejounte Murray added 22. Derik Queen and Zion Williamson each finished with 17. The defeat left the Pelicans without a victory through their first three games under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, despite the substantial lead they had established in Denver.

After the game, Jokic criticised the supporters who had booed Denver at half-time. According to the Guardian, he said those fans should not return and defended the team’s refusal to give up, pointing to previous recoveries from difficult positions. His comments followed a night when the Nuggets overcame both a large deficit and several absences to secure the win.