Nikola Jokic posted 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, recording his fourth consecutive triple-double to start the season as the Denver Nuggets routed the New Orleans Pelicans 122-88 on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. Jokic now joins Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to open a season with four straight triple-doubles.
The Nuggets dominated after a 24-0 third-quarter run that gave them a 33-point lead, allowing Jokic to sit out the fourth. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun each scored 17 points to support Denver’s balanced attack, helping the team improve to 3-1.
New Orleans struggled offensively, shooting just 37.2% from the field, 20.6% from three, and 58.6% from the free-throw line. Rookie Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with a season-high 21 points, while Zion Williamson added 11 after missing Monday’s game with a left foot bone bruise.
The Pelicans have now dropped four straight games to start the season, marking their worst 0-4 start since 2019-20. Denver’s efficient offense and defensive pressure kept New Orleans from finding any momentum throughout the night.
Jokic played 28 minutes, shooting 10 of 15 from the field, and now has 168 career triple-doubles, trailing only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson contributed nine and seven points respectively, while the Nuggets recorded 14 assists in the decisive third quarter alone.
Denver will continue its road trip on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, while New Orleans heads to Los Angeles to face the Clippers.
