The Denver Nuggets have delivered another painful setback to the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 104-91 on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center. But beyond the final score, the game exposed a worrying pattern that New Orleans must address quickly if the team hopes to turn its season around.
After suffering a dramatic overtime defeat against Denver just four nights earlier, the Pelicans had another opportunity to respond in front of their home fans. Unfortunately for New Orleans, the Nuggets came prepared this time, taking control from the opening minutes and never allowing their opponents to lead.
And the most concerning part for the Pelicans? Their struggles are no longer limited to one bad night.
Denver Came Out With Something to Prove
The Nuggets clearly remembered what happened during their previous meeting with New Orleans. Although Denver eventually won that contest 141-135 in overtime, the team had to overcome a 23-point deficit and a 19-point disadvantage entering the fourth quarter.
This time, Denver made sure there would be no repeat of that situation.
The Nuggets established an early advantage, taking a 10-3 lead before extending it to 37-18 by the end of the first quarter. Their offensive efficiency and defensive pressure immediately placed New Orleans under enormous pressure.
Denver shot an impressive 61.9% from the field in the opening quarter, including 62.5% from three-point range. Meanwhile, the Pelicans struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 35% from the field during the same period.
The difference was obvious: Denver was executing its game plan, while New Orleans was searching for answers.
Jokic and Murray Lead the Charge
Nikola Jokic once again demonstrated why he remains one of the NBA’s most influential players. The Denver superstar finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, recording another triple-double while helping his team control the game.
Jamal Murray led all Denver scorers with 23 points, providing the offensive production the Nuggets needed to maintain their advantage.
Christian Braun contributed 15 points, while Aaron Gordon added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Rookie Trevon Brazile also reached double figures with 11 points.
Denver’s balanced performance proved difficult for New Orleans to overcome. Instead of relying on a single player, the Nuggets received meaningful contributions from several members of their rotation.
The victory also extended Denver’s winning streak against the Pelicans to eight games, adding another chapter to what has become a difficult matchup for New Orleans.
Zion Williamson Delivered, But It Still Wasn’t Enough
Despite the defeat, Zion Williamson gave Pelicans supporters something to appreciate.
The New Orleans forward scored a season-high 25 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting from the field. He repeatedly attacked the basket and attempted to keep his team within reach as Denver threatened to run away with the game.
Derik Queen contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Jeremiah Fears added 11 points. Dejounte Murray finished with 10 points.
However, the individual performances could not overcome the team’s collective difficulties.
New Orleans struggled from beyond the three-point line, converting just seven of 30 attempts for 23.3%. Denver, by comparison, made 12 of 31 attempts, giving the Nuggets a significant advantage from the perimeter.
Trey Murphy III, who had scored 26 points during the previous meeting, was held to just six points after making only two of seven three-point attempts.
With important offensive contributions missing, the Pelicans found themselves fighting an uphill battle throughout the night.
The Fourth-Quarter Problem Is Becoming Difficult to Ignore
Perhaps the biggest concern surrounding New Orleans is its inability to finish games strongly.
The Pelicans have now been outscored in the fourth quarter of all four games this season. Against Denver, they were outscored 25-18 in the final period, continuing a pattern that has contributed to their disappointing start.
New Orleans showed some fight during the third quarter, putting together a 15-4 run that reduced Denver’s advantage to 79-73 heading into the fourth.
The Pelicans also moved within five points on three occasions early in the final quarter, creating hope that another comeback might be possible.
But Denver refused to surrender control.
Christian Braun knocked down three three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping the Nuggets create separation and put the game beyond New Orleans’ reach.
For the Pelicans, the problem is becoming increasingly clear: getting back into games means little if they cannot maintain their momentum when it matters most.
The Pelicans’ Coach Has a Serious Message for His Team
New Orleans coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged that his team failed to prepare adequately for Denver’s aggressive start.
He pointed to the Nuggets’ championship experience and their familiarity with playing together as reasons Denver was able to dictate the tempo early.
Mosley also made it clear that the team’s urgency must improve.
Rather than waiting for an opportunity to secure a victory, the coach wants his players to take control and fight for one.
His message reflects the growing pressure surrounding a team that has yet to record a win this season.
The Pelicans cannot afford to continue allowing opponents to establish early control before attempting to respond later in games.
Jordan Poole’s Injury Adds Another Concern
New Orleans also had to deal with an injury concern involving reserve guard Jordan Poole.
Mosley learned at halftime that Poole would be unavailable for the remainder of the game because of a left ankle injury.
Poole had recorded four points in the first half, shooting two of eight from the field, while also contributing one assist, three fouls, and three turnovers.
To adjust to his absence and Denver’s size, Mosley introduced Saddiq Bey into the starting lineup for the second half, moving the 6-foot-8 forward into a role that offered greater size and physicality.
The adjustment was part of an attempt to improve New Orleans’ matchup against Denver, but it ultimately did not change the result.
Poole’s availability for subsequent games could become another factor to monitor as the Pelicans attempt to get their season back on track.
Can New Orleans Finally Stop the Losing Streak?
The defeat leaves the Pelicans at 0-4, increasing the pressure on the team to produce an immediate response.
Their next opportunity comes against the Sacramento Kings, another team looking for its first victory of the season at the time of this report.
That matchup could provide New Orleans with an important opportunity to change its fortunes. However, the Pelicans will need more than an impressive individual performance to get the job done.
They must improve their perimeter shooting, start games with greater intensity, and find a way to execute when the pressure increases in the fourth quarter.
Denver has shown what an experienced, disciplined team can do when it takes control early. New Orleans now has to prove that it can learn from its mistakes rather than repeat them.
The big question remains: Is this just a difficult start for the Pelicans, or are their late-game struggles a warning sign of bigger problems ahead?
