Short-handed Nuggets Triumph Over Pacers
Nikola Jokic dominated with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, marking his sixth triple-double in nine games this season. He led the shorthanded Denver Nuggets to a 117-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, completing a four-game home winning streak.
Denver's Lineup Challenges
The Nuggets played without key players Jamal Murray (left calf tightness) and Aaron Gordon (left hamstring) in the second game of a back-to-back. Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 16 points, started in their place.
“If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension,” said Denver coach David Adelman. “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.”
Gordon, who missed 31 games last year due to injuries, is currently averaging a career-best 20.1 points per game.
Pacers Struggle Despite Return of Nembhard
Indiana has faced multiple absences at the beginning of the season and dropped their eighth game in nine outings. The team welcomed back Andrew Nembhard, who returned from a left shoulder strain that sidelined him for seven games.
- Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 25 points.
- Andrew Nembhard contributed 22 points.
- Newly signed Monte Morris scored 1 point in 15 minutes.
Game Summary
The Nuggets overcame injury challenges with strong team play and Jokic's all-around performance to secure a convincing win against the struggling Pacers.
“Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists for his sixth triple-double in nine games this season,” the report noted.
Denver's resilience on the court allowed them to maintain momentum despite a short bench.
Author's Summary
The Denver Nuggets, missing key players, relied on Nikola Jokic’s exceptional triple-double to secure a decisive victory over the Indiana Pacers, who continue to struggle with injuries.