Short-handed Nuggets triumph over Pacers

Short-handed Nuggets Triumph over Pacers

Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, marking his sixth triple-double in nine games this season. He led the depleted Denver Nuggets to a 117-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers, completing a sweep of their four-game homestand.

Key Players and Lineups

Denver played without key players Jamal Murray, sidelined due to left calf tightness, and Aaron Gordon, out with a left hamstring injury during the second game of a back-to-back. Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 16 points, stepped up as starters in their absence. Gordon, averaging a career-best 20.1 points, has missed 31 games last season due to injuries.

“If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension. Aaron’s a guy we have to protect … because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big and jump that high and explode like that.” – Denver coach David Adelman

Indiana Pacers' Struggles

The Pacers, who have faced multiple absences this season, lost for the eighth time in nine games. They welcomed back Andrew Nembhard, who returned after missing seven games due to a left shoulder strain. Nembhard contributed 22 points, while Aaron Nesmith led Indiana’s scoring with 25 points. Monte Morris, newly signed on Friday, played 15 minutes and scored one point.

Game Summary

Score: Denver Nuggets 117, Indiana Pacers 100
Nikola Jokic: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists
Aaron Nesmith (Indiana): 25 points
Andrew Nembhard (Indiana): 22 points
Peyton Watson (Denver): Season-high 16 points

Summary: Despite missing key players, the Denver Nuggets secured a strong home win thanks to Jokic’s triple-double and solid contributions from their bench, while the struggling Pacers continue to face setbacks.

WISH-TV — 2025-11-09