On December 22, 2024, the Denver Nuggets narrowly avoided what would have been another disappointing loss by edging the New Orleans Pelicans 132-129 in overtime.
The Nuggets were forced to rally back from being down as much as 17 points, showcasing resilience against the odds, especially with injury setbacks for their opponents. Star player Nikola Jokic overcame what initially seemed like passive play to finish the night with another triple-double, scoring 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
After struggling to assert himself early, Jokic took the court with much-needed determination during the final moments of the game. Remarkably, his first points came from free throws with only three minutes left in the second quarter. He ended the first half with just six points, leading to questions about his aggressive approach. A more score-first mentality might have changed the game’s course earlier, but the ending was dramatic nonetheless, with Jokic managing to pull through for the team.
The victory highlighted the strategic decisions made by head coach Michael Malone. Instead of opting for the struggling Michael Porter Jr. in the closing moments, he went with veteran Russell Westbrook. Malone's call paid off, as Westbrook's contributions, including 21 points and several key assists, helped lead the Nuggets to victory over the Pelicans.
Despite talking trade rumors surrounding Porter, who managed just eight points on 2-of-8 shooting, tensions ran high as he grappled with added pressure. His time on the court significantly reduced compared to Denver’s other starters, reflecting his inconsistent play and the urgent need for more determination from him moving forward.
A standout performance also came from rookie Julian Strawther, who netted 13 points and provided the best plus-minus rating of the night, plus-20, across his 20 minutes of play. His contributions served to offset the star players, providing much-needed support during crunch time.
Denver's win came after they had faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers just the night prior, depicting real endurance from the team. Aaron Gordon, who had suffered during the previous game by scoring only two points, showed improvement with 17 points and eight rebounds against New Orleans. Gordon’s resurgence proved valuable as the Nuggets approached their second game of the back-to-back series.
New Orleans, meanwhile, struggled with four of their regular players sidelined due to injuries: Jose Alvarado, Brandon Ingram, Karlo Matkovic, and Zion Williamson. This left the Pelicans vulnerable, and Denver seized the opportunity. Still, it was no easy victory; the Nuggets turned the ball over 22 times, which led to 27 points scored by the Pelicans—an issue the Nuggets will need to address as the season progresses.
The game’s pivotal moment came from Jamal Murray, who matched Jokic's 27 points and hit a huge one-footed jumper with just nine seconds left in regulation to force overtime. This intense exchange showcased the tight competition and skill from both sides.
Following the game, the Nuggets will return to Denver to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday, hoping to build off this hard-earned win. Currently, with their season record at 15-11, they have shown they can bounce back from adversity but must refine their game to improve their standings going forward.
Clearly, this match served as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of basketball; the Nuggets’ ability to rally and triumph confirms why they remain competitive contenders this NBA season. ”
