Short-handed Nuggets Triumph Over Pacers
Nikola Jokic delivered an impressive performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, marking his sixth triple-double in nine games this season. He led the Denver Nuggets to a 117-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers, despite the team missing key players.
Game Highlights
- The Nuggets were short-handed, missing Jamal Murray (left calf tightness) and Aaron Gordon (left hamstring) during the second game of a back-to-back.
- Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 16 points, stepped up as starters.
- Denver swept a four-game homestand with this win.
Player Updates and Team Remarks
Aaron Gordon, sidelined last season for 31 games due to injuries, is currently averaging a career-best 20.1 points. Denver coach David Adelman commented on Gordon’s cautious play:
“If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension... Aaron’s a guy we have to protect … because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big and jump that high and explode like that.”
Indiana Pacers’ Performance
- The Pacers have been struggling, losing eight of their last nine games this season.
- Andrew Nembhard returned from a left shoulder strain that sidelined him for seven games, contributing 22 points.
- Aaron Nesmith led Indiana’s scoring with 25 points.
- Newly signed Monte Morris scored 1 point in 15 minutes of play.
The Nuggets demonstrated resilience and depth, overcoming absences to secure a solid win against the Pacers.
Summary: Despite key injuries, the Denver Nuggets showcased strong teamwork and Nikola Jokic’s leadership to win decisively, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience this season.