the_journal
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic delivered 35 points, including eight in the extra period, along with 15 rebounds and 10 assists, and the undermanned Denver Nuggets stormed back from a 23-point hole to secure a 141-135 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Jokic notched the 199th regular-season triple-double of his career, trailing only Russell Westbrook, who retired with 209.
Jamal Murray poured in 42 points, and rookie Trevon Brazille contributed 17 points, seven of which came in overtime during his home debut for Denver. The Nuggets seized an early lead in the extra session, with Brazille's corner 3-pointer at the 1:25 mark giving them a 133-129 advantage.
Denver was without Cam Johnson (ankle) and Alpha Diallo (sprained wrist), and continued to miss Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones.
Trey Murphy III paced New Orleans with 26 points, Dejounte Murray added 22, and Derik Queen and Zion Williamson each scored 17. The Pelicans have now lost their first three games under first-year head coach Jamahl Mosley.
New Orleans received encouraging news when center Yves Missi's knee injury, sustained Friday night in Utah, was diagnosed as a contusion rather than a more serious issue.
The Pelicans shot 65.9% in the first half and built a 23-point lead. Denver trimmed the margin to 16, and Jokic and Murray combined for 22 of the Nuggets' 32 points in the third quarter, but New Orleans extended its advantage to 19 entering the fourth.
Denver erased the deficit with 3-pointers from Murray and Jokic, a reverse dunk by Aaron Gordon, and had a chance to take the lead with 17 seconds left, but Murray made two of three free throws to tie the game.
Next up: The Pelicans host Denver on Wednesday night, while the Nuggets host Golden State on Monday night.
Originally reported by the_journal.