Nikola Jokic's triple-double carries Denver past New Orleans in overtime

How Nikola Jokic's triple-double decided Denver vs New Orleans

Nikola Jokic decided this game with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in 44 minutes, as Denver beat New Orleans 141-135 after overtime. His triple-double, alongside 42 points from Jamal Murray, rescued a game the Nuggets trailed from the first quarter.

The line sits above his 2025/2026 averages of 27.5 points and 12.9 rebounds, built over 71 games, and close to his 10.6 assists. His PIR of 43 was the highest among the game's leading performers.

That output fits his standing. Last season Jokic ranked first in the NBA by TeamKeys Rating, with a rating of 100.

NBADRAMATIC OT ENDING PELICANS at NUGGETS 🤯 | October 24, 2026

How did Jokic score 35 points against the Pelicans?

Jokic built his 35 points mainly inside the arc and at the line, going 9/13 on two-pointers and 8/8 on free throws. His outside shot was less reliable, with 3/10 from three.

His 15 rebounds gave Denver extra possessions, while his 10 assists kept the offence running through him. At the other end he added 2 steals and 3 blocks, although 6 turnovers were the one blemish on his sheet.

His 44 minutes were the heaviest load among the leading players on either side. That workload showed how much Denver leaned on him once the game went to overtime.

How did Denver come back against New Orleans?

Denver came back by winning the fourth quarter 37-18 and overtime 15-9, after losing each of the first three periods. New Orleans had set the early pace, taking the first quarter 38-24.

Jamal Murray matched Jokic's influence with 42 points, shooting 8/16 from three and 10/13 from the line in 43 minutes, without a single turnover. Christian Braun added 15 points on 7/8 two-pointers, and Trevon Brazile scored 17 off the bench.

Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 26 points on 4/8 from three, above his 21.5 average from last season. Dejounte Murray added 22 and Derik Queen 17 off the bench, but the Pelicans scored only 18 in the fourth.

What does the win mean for Denver and New Orleans next?

The win lifts Denver to 1-1 and 16th of 30 in the NBA, while New Orleans fall to 0-3 and 23rd. Toronto, Portland, Minnesota and the LA Lakers lead the way at 2-0.

Denver face the Golden State Warriors on 27 October, before meeting New Orleans again on 29 October. That rematch gives the winless Pelicans a quick chance to find an answer for Jokic and Murray.