Denver Nuggets Overcome Pelicans in High-Scoring Thriller

The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118 in a dramatic comeback victory. This NBA regular season game took place on November 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Nuggets erased a significant early deficit to secure the win.

Nikola Jokić recorded his ninth triple-double of the season in the contest. The game featured several standout individual performances on both teams.

Jokić and Watson Lead Nuggets’ Comeback Charge

The Pelicans started strong with a 21-5 scoring run. They built an early 13-point lead in the first quarter. The home crowd was energized by their team’s hot start.

Denver slowly chipped away at the lead. They tied the game at 32 in the second quarter. The momentum had clearly shifted by halftime.

Nikola Jokić was the engine for the Nuggets. He finished with 28 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds according to Fox Sports. He fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

Peyton Watson had a career night for Denver. He scored a personal-best 32 points. Watson also grabbed 12 rebounds and hit five three-pointers.

Pelicans’ Rookie Shines in Defeat

New Orleans rookie Derik Queen was a bright spot. He scored a career-high 30 points on efficient shooting. Queen also pulled down nine rebounds in the loss.

Trey Murphy III added 23 points for the Pelicans. He also recorded five steals on the defensive end. His efforts kept the game competitive.

The Pelicans made a late push in the fourth quarter. They went on a 17-4 run to close the gap. Denver’s lead was cut to just seven points.

Foul trouble impacted New Orleans late. Herbert Jones fouled out of the game. The Nuggets held on for the seven-point victory.

Betting Market Recap and Analysis

The game had implications for sports bettors. Denver was favored to win by more than 12 points. They failed to cover that spread.

The combined score of 243 points exceeded expectations. The over/under was set at 234.5 points. Bettors who took the over were rewarded.

The result demonstrates the Nuggets’ resilience. They can win even when their star player fouls out. This bodes well for their championship aspirations.

The Denver Nuggets vs Pelicans matchup delivered an exciting spectacle for basketball fans. The game showcased emerging talent and veteran excellence in equal measure. This contest will be remembered for its dramatic shifts and standout performances.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who was the top scorer in the Nuggets vs Pelicans game?

Peyton Watson was the game’s top scorer. He set a new career-high with 32 points for the Denver Nuggets. His performance included five three-pointers.

Did Nikola Jokić get a triple-double?

Yes, Nikola Jokić recorded his ninth triple-double of the season. He finished with 28 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. He fouled out late in the fourth quarter.

What was the final score?

The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118. The combined score of 243 points was well above the projected over/under total for the game.

How did the Pelicans’ rookie perform?

Pelicans rookie Derik Queen had an excellent game. He scored a career-high 30 points and collected 9 rebounds. His efficient shooting was a highlight for New Orleans.

Did the Nuggets cover the spread?

No, the Nuggets did not cover the spread as favorites. They were expected to win by more than 12 points according to Fox Sports. The final margin was only seven points.