DENVER — Michael Porter Jr. matched his career high by scoring 39 points just before the trade deadline, while Nikola Jokic contributed 38 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 144-119 victory over the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. This win marked the Nuggets’ fourth consecutive triumph.
Porter had an impressive shooting night, going 16 for 23 from the field, including sinking five shots from beyond the arc, in addition to grabbing 12 rebounds. His name has circulated in trade discussions leading up to Thursday’s deadline, but Nuggets coach Michael Malone has downplayed those rumors recently.
Jokic, in addition to his scoring, recorded ten assists and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, who were playing without Russell Westbrook (hamstring injury) and Peyton Watson (knee injury). Aaron Gordon also shined, equaling his career high with 12 assists. This game was a rematch as Denver and New Orleans squared off for the second time in a matter of three nights; the Nuggets had prevailed 125-113 just days earlier.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 28 points, though the team endured its seventh consecutive loss, deepening their struggles this season.
In terms of individual performances, Trey Murphy III registered 25 points, following impressive outings of 40 and 41 points in his recent games.
The Nuggets showcased their offensive prowess, achieving 40 assists, 37 points on fast breaks, and dominating with 74 points in the paint. These figures highlight Denver’s current position as the top team in the league for all three categories. Additionally, Christian Braun made significant contributions with 23 points. It’s worth noting that Porter had previously reached the 39-point mark on April 24, 2021, in a game against the Houston Rockets.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred in the third quarter when the score was tied at 72. Porter executed a running layup that allowed the Nuggets to seize control of the game, part of a noteworthy 41-23 run that wrapped up the third quarter.
On the statistical side, Jokic attempted a career-high 13 three-point shots, successfully landing five of them.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to host the Orlando Magic on Thursday, whereas the Pelicans will travel to Sacramento for a game on Saturday.
