Denver Held New Orleans to 91 With a Patchwork Five. Friday Adds a Piece
Two nights after giving up 134 to Golden State, Denver won 104-91 in New Orleans because Jokic ran everything and the defense finally traveled.
The Nuggets beat the Pelicans 104-91 to reach 2-2 and move up to ninth. Nikola Jokic finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, and Cameron Johnson and Alpha Diallo are both projected to return Friday in Phoenix.
How did Denver set the tone?
Adelman started Jamal Murray, Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and rookie Trevon Brazile, a lineup put together from whoever was healthy. It looked rehearsed anyway. Murray made his first two threes, Jokic had three assists in the first three minutes, Braun added a steal and a block, and Jamahl Mosley called timeout at 9:32 of the first quarter with New Orleans down 10-3. The ball went through the center and found shooters who were ready for it. That is the whole Denver offense, and on Wednesday it worked from the opening tip.
Was the defense actually better?
Denver gave up 134 to the Warriors on Monday and 91 to the Pelicans on Wednesday. Zion Williamson scored 25 but had only two assists, so New Orleans went to him over and over and the rest of the offense dried up. Nugg Love's David Decker had written that Denver suddenly has a problem on the defensive glass. Jokic answered that point with 13 rebounds. One night against a team that is now 0-4 does not fix a defense, but it shows Denver can win a game without having to outscore everyone.
Grades
Jokic gets an A. He had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, his third triple-double of the month, and he controlled the pace from start to finish. Murray gets a B. He opened 2-for-2 from three and did not have to repeat his 42-point game, which is the healthier version of this team. Brazile gets a B for starting in Johnson's spot and scoring on his first shot. It is a small role, but it gives a rookie real minutes with the starters.
What it changes
At 2-2, Denver sits one game behind Minnesota's 3-1 for sixth and half a game clear of 11th. Friday's trip to Phoenix is a Cup game on two days' rest, and both Johnson and Diallo are projected back for it. Spencer Jones is projected for November 2 and Julian Strawther for November 29. Johnson matters most for this team. The five of Murray, Jokic, Gordon, Braun and Johnson was +13.5 in 2025-26, and Denver has barely seen it this season. Mile High Sports' Mark Knudson has argued that Adelman should be replaced. A fair test of his team starts when that five is healthy again.
Who led the Nuggets in the 104-91 win over the Pelicans?
Nikola Jokic led Denver with a triple-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 25 points.
When is Cameron Johnson expected back for the Nuggets?
Johnson, out with a right ankle problem, is projected to return October 30 at Phoenix. Alpha Diallo has the same projected return date.
