The Indiana Pacers (47-31) capitalized on the Denver Nuggets’ (47-32) many crucial mistakes in the fourth quarter, handing them their fourth consecutive loss in a 125-120 finish on April 7.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
Nikola Jokic 41 PTS | 15 REB | 13 AST | 83.5 FPS
Jokic has been consistently impressive, recording his second 40-point triple-double in his last three games and almost his fourth in six games. This effort marks his 32nd triple-double of the season, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the most all-time by a center in NBA history (per @StatMuse on X). It’s almost a given at this point that he’s putting up exceptional numbers whenever he plays, recording 60 Fantasy Points or more in nine of his last eleven games. Despite that, the team hasn’t been the same lately. They’ve dropped their first four-straight games this season, falling from the second seed to the fourth. This shift is critical because just one win now separates them from the eighth-seeded Grizzlies. With Murray missing their last five games, Jokic needs to continue dominating to help the team survive their tough final three matchups, which include three playoff-bound teams.
Christian Braun 30 PTS | 8 REB | 4 AST | 45.6 FPS
Braun has been on a remarkable hot streak, delivering highly efficient performances over his last three games. Today, he took it to another level, shooting an impressive 12-for-16 from the field to set a new season-best in points while extending his streak of 16+ point games to six. Beyond scoring, he has been reliable in rebounding, while also contributing assists and steals. His offensive production may be difficult to sustain but his all-around game should remain strong. Now that he is no longer on the injury report and Murray remains sidelined, there’s no reason for him to become less impactful.
Michael Porter Jr. 15 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 28.2 FPS
MPJ endured another tough time in offense, going just 1-for-9 from three—marking the second time in his last five games that he’s posted such performance. Still, he managed to extend his streak of 15+ point games to seven straight. With Murray’s status uncertain, he should continue to have the green light to shoot, and have better scoring games. While his perimeter shooting has been highly inconsistent, he’s contributing enough in other areas to remain productive. However, fouls and turnovers have also become issues over his last three games.
Russell Westbrook 16 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 27.0 FPS
Russ got back on track today after an underwhelming performance in the previous game, scoring in double digits in four of his last five outings. He also continues to contribute with rebounding, playmaking, and defensive stats—though the latter was muted today. However, he offset that with just one turnover after averaging nearly five over his previous four games. That said, he remains a reliable option as long as Murray is unavailable.
Julian Strawther 6 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK | 12.6 FPS
Strawther managed to make an impact despite limited minutes off the bench. However, his role is unlikely to expand with the team still fighting for playoff positioning. That said, Watson remains the more reliable option, having delivered strong rebounding and shot-blocking performances in recent games leading up to this contest.
Indiana Pacers Top Performers:
Andrew Nembhard 19 PTS | 4 REB | 6 AST | 38.8 FPS
Nembhard stepped up today with Haliburton struggling, delivering his best scoring performance in his last ten games. However, sustained big games remain unlikely given his ongoing struggles from three and limited production at the free-throw line. Still, he continues to contribute in valuable secondary categories—most notably with assists and steals—while keeping his turnovers low.
Myles Turner 24 PTS | 2 REB | 3 BLK | 36.9 FPS
Turner had a rare off performance as a rebounder after averaging close to 7 rebounds over the past month. Despite the dip, he remained productive with a solid two-way performance. On the offensive end, he notched his second straight game with 24+ points and extended his streak to six consecutive games in double figures. Defensively, he’s been just as impactful, racking up 11 blocks over his last three games.
Aaron Nesmith 17 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 36.6 FPS
Nesmith has scored in double digits in seven of his last eight games, complementing his scoring with modest rebounding numbers. He also delivered a strong defensive showing today with four stocks but he hasn’t been consistent enough in that area. Despite that, he still can rack up big defensive production from time to time.
Tyrese Haliburton 9 PTS | 3 REB | 14 AST | 36.2 FPS
Haliburton didn’t contribute much in the scoring column today—the first time that’s happened since their late January loss to the Sixers. Still, he continues to deliver solid value for his position, recording his fourth consecutive game with double-digit assists and averaging 3 stocks over his last three outings. With the way he’s been playing lately, a bounce back performance against the Wizards feels almost inevitable.
Obi Toppin 22 PTS | 4 REB | 1 AST | 28.3 FPS
Toppin moved to the starting lineup today with Siakam unavailable and took full advantage, scoring 20 points for the first time in seven games. His overall impact remains limited but he should continue putting up elite scoring games as long as Siakam remains sidelined.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Aaron Gordon 5 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST
Gordon hasn’t been at his most productive lately, scoring in single digits in three of his last five games. However, he’s managed to stay relevant with contributions in rebounding and playmaking. The good news is that he’s no longer listed on the injury report, suggesting he’s close to putting his calf issue behind him. That said, he should be poised for quality performances in the remaining games.
