Michael Porter Jr. matched his career high with 39 points, and Nikola Jokic added 38 as the Denver Nuggets secured a 144-119 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Porter shot 16-of-23 from the field and added 12 rebounds, while Jokic contributed 10 assists and eight rebounds for Denver (32-19), which extended its winning streak to four games. The victory came amid trade speculation surrounding Porter, though head coach Michael Malone recently downplayed the possibility of a move.
The Nuggets dominated offensively, recording 40 assists, 37 fast-break points, and 74 points in the paint. They entered the game leading the NBA in all three categories. Christian Braun contributed 23 points, and Aaron Gordon matched his career high with 12 assists.
Denver and New Orleans faced off for the second time in three nights after the Nuggets won 125-113 on Monday. The Pelicans (12-39) suffered their seventh consecutive defeat despite 28 points from Zion Williamson.
Trey Murphy III followed up his back-to-back 40-point performances with 25 points, while CJ McCollum scored 19. The Pelicans played without key contributors, including Brandon Ingram, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors, Herbert Jones, and Dejounte Murray.
The game remained tight through the first half, with both teams tied at 72 in the third quarter. Porter gave Denver the lead with a driving layup, sparking a 41-23 run that put the game out of reach.
Jokic, who attempted a career-high 13 three-pointers, connected on five from beyond the arc. Denver shot 57% from the field and 37.2% from deep, while limiting New Orleans to 46.2% shooting overall.
