New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats

The new orleans pelicans vs denver nuggets match player stats from this matchup tell a much bigger story than the 122-88 final score alone. Denver controlled the game through efficient shooting, superior rebounding, ball movement, and a remarkable third-quarter surge that turned a competitive first half into a 34-point defeat for New Orleans. The Nuggets finished with 122 points at Ball Arena, while the Pelicans managed 88. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while rookie Jeremiah Fears paced New Orleans with 21 points. (NBA)

The game was played at Ball Arena in Denver. The official NBA record lists the matchup as Wednesday, October 29, 2025, while the game information section displays Thursday, October 30 at 1:00 AM, reflecting the overnight timing. The Nuggets entered at 2-1 and moved to 3-1 after the victory, while the Pelicans fell to 0-4. (NBA)

For readers studying individual performances, this matchup is particularly useful because the player statistics reveal how Denver’s team structure overwhelmed New Orleans. Jokic did not need a huge scoring night. Instead, he influenced almost every part of the game through scoring efficiency, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive activity.

Game Overview

The final score was:

Denver Nuggets 122, New Orleans Pelicans 88

The quarter-by-quarter scoring explains how the game developed:

Quarter	New Orleans Pelicans	Denver Nuggets
Q1	25	34
Q2	22	19
Q3	11	39
Q4	30	30
Final	88	122

The first half was not a complete runaway. Denver led 53-47 at halftime, meaning New Orleans was still within six points after two quarters. The decisive separation came in the third quarter, when Denver outscored New Orleans 39-11.

That 28-point difference in one quarter was the defining statistical event of the game. The NBA’s official recap notes that Denver produced a 24-0 run during the third quarter and eventually built a 33-point lead before Jokic sat for the fourth quarter. (NBA)

The Nuggets ultimately reached a 41-point maximum lead and never trailed during the game. The NBA game chart records zero lead changes. (NBA)

New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats: Team Comparison

A closer look at the team numbers shows why the game became so one-sided.

Category	Pelicans	Nuggets
Points	88	122
Field Goals	32-85	48-90
Field Goal %	38%	53%
3-Point Field Goals	7-34	14-42
3-Point %	21%	33%
Free Throws	17-29	12-14
Free Throw %	59%	86%
Rebounds	36	56
Assists	17	40
Turnovers	13	14
Steals	9	6
Blocks	3	4

The biggest differences were not simply scoring. Denver dominated the areas that create efficient offense and second-chance opportunities.

The Nuggets collected 56 rebounds compared with 36 for New Orleans. That is a 20-rebound advantage. Denver also recorded 40 assists, more than twice the Pelicans’ 17.

That combination matters. A team can sometimes survive poor three-point shooting if it creates extra possessions, attacks the rim effectively, or generates high-quality shots through passing. Denver did all three more consistently.

The Nuggets also shot 53% from the field compared with approximately 38% for New Orleans. The difference was especially important because Denver attempted only five more field goals but made 16 more.

That means Denver was not simply winning through volume. It was converting its opportunities at a much higher rate.

Nikola Jokic’s Complete Performance

Nikola Jokic produced one of the most complete individual stat lines of the game:

• 21 points
• 10-for-15 shooting
• 1-for-2 from three-point range
• 12 rebounds
• 10 assists
• 2 steals
• +25 plus/minus

Jokic’s 21 points tied Jeremiah Fears for the game’s highest individual scoring total.

What separates Jokic’s performance from a traditional 21-point scoring game is the combination of his other numbers. He collected 12 rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 66.7% from the field.

The triple-double was especially significant because it was his fourth consecutive triple-double to begin the season. According to the official NBA recap, Jokic matched an NBA record shared by Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook for four consecutive triple-doubles to start a season. (NBA)

His efficiency also deserves attention. Jokic made 10 of his 15 field-goal attempts, meaning he scored 21 points without requiring a high volume of shots.

His 10 assists demonstrate another major reason Denver’s offense was so difficult to contain. Defenses have to decide whether to pressure Jokic as a scorer or protect against his passing. When he is making efficient shots while also creating opportunities for teammates, the defense has fewer comfortable options.

Jokic finished the night with a +25 plus/minus despite playing only about 28 minutes. He did not play in the fourth quarter after Denver established a large advantage. (NBA)

From an analytical perspective, his stat line is a strong example of why points alone can be misleading when evaluating NBA player impact.

Jamal Murray’s Offensive Contribution

Jamal Murray finished with:

• 17 points
• 5-for-14 field goals
• 3-for-8 from three
• 2 rebounds
• 6 assists
• +29 plus/minus

Murray was not Denver’s most efficient scorer on the night, but his six assists helped maintain the team’s offensive flow.

His three made three-pointers were also important because New Orleans could not completely collapse toward Jokic without giving Denver opportunities on the perimeter.

Murray’s +29 was the highest plus/minus among the major Denver contributors listed in the supplied player data.

This is a useful reminder that plus/minus should not be treated as a standalone measure of individual quality. It reflects what happened while a player was on the floor and is influenced by teammates, opponents, lineup combinations, and game context.

In this matchup, however, Murray’s positive plus/minus fits the larger story. Denver’s primary offensive group consistently created advantages, and Murray contributed both as a scorer and passer.

Christian Braun’s Efficient Night

Christian Braun also scored 17 points, matching Murray’s total.

His statistical profile was:

• 17 points
• 8-for-13 field goals
• 1-for-3 from three
• 6 rebounds
• 4 assists
• 1 block
• +22 plus/minus

Braun’s 8-for-13 shooting was one of the more efficient scoring performances on the Denver roster.

He also contributed across several categories rather than relying solely on scoring. Six rebounds, four assists, and a block gave him a broad statistical footprint.

For a team built around a high-level offensive creator such as Jokic, secondary players who can convert efficiently and contribute defensively make the offense more difficult to disrupt.

Braun’s numbers illustrate that effect clearly.

Jeremiah Fears Leads New Orleans

Jeremiah Fears was the leading scorer for New Orleans with 21 points.

His line included:

• 21 points
• 10-for-15 field goals
• 1-for-3 from three
• 1 rebound
• 6 assists
• 2 steals
• -12 plus/minus

Fears matched Jokic’s 21 points and also made 10 field goals on 15 attempts.

That efficiency is particularly noteworthy considering the Pelicans scored only 88 points as a team.

His six assists were also tied with Murray’s total for the game among the featured players.

The rookie’s performance provided one of the clearest positives for New Orleans. Even during a difficult team performance, Fears was able to create offense and remain efficient from the field.

The most important context is that his individual scoring could not compensate for the overall team shooting and rebounding disadvantages.

Zion Williamson’s Numbers

Zion Williamson returned to the lineup after missing New Orleans’ previous game and scored 11 points.

His statistical line was:

• 11 points
• 4-for-8 field goals
• 3-for-4 free throws
• 2 assists
• 3 turnovers
• 1 steal
• 1 block
• -12 plus/minus

Williamson was relatively efficient from the field, making half of his eight attempts.

However, his offensive workload was not large enough to change the game’s overall direction.

The three turnovers were also notable because New Orleans had only 13 turnovers as a team. Denver did not dominate this matchup simply by forcing mistakes. Instead, its advantage came primarily from shooting efficiency, rebounding, passing, and the huge third-quarter scoring burst.

That distinction matters when evaluating the game. The Pelicans’ defeat cannot be explained by turnovers alone.

Trey Murphy III Struggled From the Field

Trey Murphy III recorded:

• 7 points
• 1-for-8 field goals
• 1-for-5 from three
• 7 rebounds
• 1 steal
• -32 plus/minus

Murphy’s shooting was one of the clearest statistical problems for New Orleans.

He made only one of eight field-goal attempts and one of five three-point attempts.

The seven rebounds were valuable, but his scoring efficiency was far below what New Orleans needed against a Denver offense that was shooting above 50% from the field.

His -32 plus/minus was also the lowest among the players highlighted in the supplied statistics.

Again, plus/minus needs context. It does not mean a player personally caused every point scored during his minutes. But when combined with the shooting data and the final score, Murphy’s numbers show how difficult the night was for New Orleans’ offense.

Herbert Jones’ Statistical Impact

Herbert Jones finished with:

• 5 points
• 2-for-7 field goals
• 1-for-4 from three
• 1 rebound
• 1 assist
• -3 plus/minus

Jones did not generate much offense in this matchup.

He made two of seven field-goal attempts and one of four three-point attempts.

His -3 plus/minus was considerably better than Murphy’s -32 and some of the other Pelicans’ figures, illustrating why individual statistics should not be reduced to scoring totals.

Jones’ defensive role also cannot be fully represented through the points, rebounds, assists, and plus/minus shown in a basic box score.

Derik Queen’s Rebounding Contribution

Derik Queen led the Pelicans in rebounding with eight boards.

That contribution was important because New Orleans finished with only 36 total rebounds against Denver’s 56.

A single player collecting eight rebounds cannot solve a 20-rebound team deficit, but Queen’s work on the glass was still one of the more positive individual statistical contributions for New Orleans.

The broader issue was collective rebounding.

Denver had 13 offensive rebounds and 43 defensive rebounds, while New Orleans recorded 12 offensive rebounds and 24 defensive rebounds. (NBA)

That defensive-rebounding gap allowed Denver to finish possessions more consistently and helped the Nuggets control the pace of the game.

DeAndre Jordan’s Interior Numbers

DeAndre Jordan played a limited role but contributed five rebounds, including three offensive rebounds.

His numbers were:

• 2 points
• 1-for-1 shooting
• 5 rebounds
• 3 offensive rebounds
• -21 plus/minus

The three offensive rebounds stand out because second-chance possessions are especially valuable when a team is struggling to shoot efficiently.

However, Denver’s overall rebounding dominance prevented New Orleans from turning those individual efforts into a significant team advantage.

Why the Third Quarter Decided the Game

The most important section of the new orleans pelicans vs denver nuggets match player stats is arguably not an individual player line at all.

It is the third-quarter team performance.

New Orleans scored only 11 points in the third quarter.

Denver scored 39.

That produced a 28-point difference in 12 minutes.

The official NBA recap identifies a 24-0 Denver run during that quarter. (NBA)

The Pelicans entered halftime down only six points. After the third quarter, they were down 34.

This is the clearest example of how a game can change without a dramatic difference in the first half.

Denver’s offense became increasingly efficient while New Orleans struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities. The Nuggets then used the resulting lead to manage minutes and keep key players out of the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter ended 30-30, but by then the competitive portion of the game had already been decided.

Shooting Efficiency Was a Major Difference

The shooting numbers provide another explanation for Denver’s victory.

The Nuggets made 48 of 90 field-goal attempts.

The Pelicans made 32 of 85.

That means Denver made 16 more shots from the field despite taking only five more attempts.

The three-point difference was also substantial.

Denver made 14 of 42 attempts from deep.

New Orleans made 7 of 34.

Denver therefore doubled New Orleans’ made three-pointers.

The Pelicans’ 21% three-point shooting created a difficult offensive environment. When a team is missing a large percentage of its perimeter attempts, it needs alternative ways to generate points.

New Orleans did not generate enough efficient scoring elsewhere to compensate.

Free Throw Shooting Added Another Layer

The free throw numbers were:

Pelicans: 17-for-29, 59%

Nuggets: 12-for-14, 86%

The Pelicans actually attempted 15 more free throws than Denver.

However, New Orleans converted only 17 of those 29 attempts.

Denver made 12 of 14.

That created another efficiency gap.

Free throws alone did not decide the game, but they contributed to the overall scoring difference.

For New Orleans, improving from the 59% mark recorded in this game would have reduced some of the offensive damage. It would not, by itself, have solved the 20-rebound or 23-assist deficits.

Denver’s Passing Advantage

One of the strongest numbers in the box score is the assist total.

Denver recorded 40 assists.

New Orleans recorded 17.

That is a difference of 23 assists.

The Nuggets’ passing was not simply about Jokic producing 10 assists. Murray added six, Braun four, and other players also contributed.

The result was a much more connected offensive attack.

Denver’s 40 assists on 48 made field goals means most of its successful shots were connected to significant ball movement or passing actions.

The Pelicans’ 17 assists on 32 made field goals indicate a considerably less productive passing structure.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the game for anyone analyzing player statistics. Individual scoring can show who finished possessions, but assists and field goals together can reveal how a team created those scoring opportunities.

Rebounding Created a Second Possession Advantage

Denver finished with 56 rebounds compared with 36 for New Orleans.

That 20-rebound difference is too large to ignore.

The Nuggets collected 13 offensive rebounds, giving them additional opportunities after missed shots. New Orleans collected 12 offensive rebounds, so the offensive-rebound totals were actually relatively close.

The bigger difference came on the defensive glass.

Denver recorded 43 defensive rebounds.

New Orleans recorded 24.

That means Denver was far more successful at ending Pelicans possessions after missed shots.

The difference is important because defensive rebounds prevent opponents from extending possessions. They also allow a team to transition from defense to offense more quickly.

What the Box Score Says About Team Style

The statistics suggest two very different offensive profiles.

Denver combined:

• High field-goal efficiency
• Strong three-point production
• Excellent free throw accuracy
• Elite rebounding
• 40 assists
• Balanced scoring
• Strong lineup-wide plus/minus results

New Orleans struggled with:

• Low field-goal efficiency
• Low three-point efficiency
• Poor free throw conversion
• A 20-rebound deficit
• Only 17 assists
• A dramatic third-quarter scoring collapse

This is why the final score should not be interpreted as the result of one superstar simply outperforming everyone.

Jokic was outstanding, but Denver’s team numbers demonstrate a broader structural advantage.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats: What Stands Out Most

When reviewing the complete new orleans pelicans vs denver nuggets match player stats, several numbers deserve special attention.

Jokic’s 21-12-10

The triple-double was the headline individual performance.

Jokic scored 21 points on 10-for-15 shooting while collecting 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Fears’ 21 Points

Fears matched Jokic’s scoring total and shot 10-for-15.

That made him one of the most efficient scorers in the game despite playing for the losing side.

Denver’s 40 Assists

Forty assists demonstrate how effectively the Nuggets shared offensive responsibility.

Denver’s 56 Rebounds

The 20-rebound advantage helped Denver control possession and limit second chances.

The 39-11 Third Quarter

This was the single biggest game-changing statistic.

Murphy’s 1-for-8 Shooting

Murphy’s inefficient shooting contributed to New Orleans’ broader offensive problems.

Denver’s 53% Shooting

Making 48 of 90 field goals gave Denver a major efficiency advantage.

What This Game Reveals About Individual Player Evaluation

A useful way to analyze player statistics is to separate production from context.

For example, Jeremiah Fears scored 21 points and shot 10-for-15. On the surface, that is an excellent offensive line.

But the Pelicans scored only 88 points.

That means Fears’ production was not enough to create a competitive team result.

The same principle applies to Jokic. His 21 points were impressive, but his 10 assists and 12 rebounds may be even more important when explaining Denver’s dominance.

Similarly, Murphy’s seven rebounds should not be ignored simply because he scored seven points. His contribution in one area was useful even though his shooting was inefficient.

This approach creates a more accurate understanding of box-score data.

Game Context and Historical Significance

The Nuggets entered the matchup at 2-1 and improved to 3-1.

The Pelicans entered 0-3 and dropped to 0-4.

The NBA’s official recap also notes that New Orleans started the season 0-4 for the first time since the 2019-20 season. (NBA)

Jokic’s fourth consecutive triple-double to open the season was another major storyline.

He became only the third player to begin a season with four consecutive triple-doubles, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in that statistical category. (NBA)

That puts his performance into a broader historical context beyond this individual game.

Attendance and Game Details

The matchup drew 19,533 spectators at Ball Arena.

The officials were Tony Brothers, Scott Twardoski, and Gina Catanzariti.

The game had no lead changes, and the Nuggets’ biggest lead reached 41 points. (NBA)

These details help complete the game record for readers who want more than a basic scoreline.

The official NBA box score is the best place to cross-check the complete player-by-player statistics and game information. Official NBA box score

How to Read These Player Stats Correctly

A box score can be useful, but it should not be treated as a complete player evaluation.

For this matchup, a practical analysis should consider at least five areas.

1. Scoring Efficiency

Look beyond points.

Fears and Jokic both scored 21, but their team contexts were very different.

2. Rebounding

Denver’s 56 rebounds compared with 36 for New Orleans shows a major possession advantage.

3. Playmaking

The 40-17 assist difference demonstrates how much more effectively Denver created shots through passing.

4. Shooting

Denver’s 53% field-goal percentage was a major separator.

5. Game Flow

The 39-11 third quarter explains why the final score became so large.

This five-part approach produces a much clearer picture than simply listing the top scorers.

Lessons From the Pelicans Performance

The Pelicans’ numbers provide several areas worth monitoring.

First, perimeter shooting needs attention. Seven made three-pointers on 34 attempts is a low conversion rate.

Second, free throw accuracy was poor at 59%.

Third, the assist total was only 17.

Fourth, the team lost the rebounding battle by 20.

Finally, the third-quarter offensive collapse was severe enough to eliminate any realistic chance of a fourth-quarter comeback.

None of these numbers should be viewed in isolation. Together, however, they explain the scale of the defeat.

Lessons From the Nuggets Performance

Denver’s statistical profile was much more balanced.

The Nuggets shot well, moved the ball, rebounded effectively, and received double-digit scoring contributions from multiple players.

Jokic did not need to take 25 or 30 shots.

He finished with 21 points while contributing in almost every major statistical category.

Murray and Braun each scored 17.

Other Denver players also contributed, allowing the Nuggets to maintain a large lead without relying on one scorer for every possession.

That balance is one of the clearest themes in the game.

The Importance of Plus/Minus

Plus/minus numbers from this game deserve a short explanation.

Murray finished at +29.

Braun finished at +22.

Jokic finished at +25.

Murphy finished at -32.

DeAndre Jordan finished at -21.

These numbers reflect the team’s scoring margin while each player was on the court.

They can be useful when combined with the rest of the box score, but they should not be interpreted as a direct individual grading system.

For example, Jokic’s +25 does not mean he personally produced exactly 25 points of value. It means Denver outscored New Orleans by 25 during his minutes.

The best analysis therefore combines plus/minus with shooting, rebounding, assists, turnovers, defensive plays, and game context.

Season Series Context

The supplied series data records Denver winning the first meeting 122-88.

The later meetings listed are:

• November 20, 2025: Denver 125, New Orleans 118
• January 14, 2026: Denver 122, New Orleans 116

Those results show that the opening matchup was the largest margin among the three listed meetings.

The later games were much closer, which is useful context when looking back at the October result. A single game can provide valuable statistical evidence, but it should not automatically be treated as a complete representation of an entire season series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Pelicans in scoring against the Nuggets?

Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 21 points. He shot 10-for-15 from the field and also recorded six assists and two steals.

Who led the Nuggets in scoring?

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 21 points. He also recorded 12 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double.

What was the final score between the Pelicans and Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 122-88.

How many rebounds did the Nuggets have?

Denver recorded 56 rebounds, while New Orleans had 36.

Why did Denver win by such a large margin?

The main statistical differences were Denver’s 53% field-goal shooting, 40 assists, 56 rebounds, and dominant 39-11 third quarter. The Nuggets also went on a 24-0 run during the third period.

Did Nikola Jokic record a triple-double?

Yes. Jokic finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was his fourth consecutive triple-double to begin the season.

Conclusion

The new orleans pelicans vs denver nuggets match player stats provide a detailed explanation for a 122-88 Denver victory.

Nikola Jokic delivered the headline performance with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but Denver’s success went far beyond one player. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun added 17 points each, while the Nuggets collectively shot 53% from the field and produced 40 assists.

New Orleans had individual positives. Jeremiah Fears scored 21 points on 10-for-15 shooting and added six assists. Zion Williamson scored 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting, while Derik Queen led the Pelicans with eight rebounds.

The decisive difference was the overall team performance.

Denver controlled the glass by a 56-36 margin, assisted on 40 made baskets compared with New Orleans’ 17, and doubled the Pelicans’ made three-pointers. The most important stretch came in the third quarter, when Denver scored 39 points while limiting New Orleans to 11.

The result was therefore not simply a story about Jokic versus the Pelicans. It was a story about efficiency, possession control, passing, rebounding, and a dramatic third-quarter swing.

For anyone studying NBA player statistics, this matchup is a strong example of why the most useful analysis combines individual box-score production with team-level context. Points identify the scorers, but shooting efficiency, assists, rebounds, turnovers, plus/minus, and quarter-by-quarter scoring reveal how the game was actually won.