The Denver Nuggets (3-1) dominated right from the start and led by as much as 42 points, keeping the New Orleans Pelicans (0-4) winless with a commanding 122-88 victory on October 30.
Here are the key stats and the top performers in the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 21 PTS | 12 REB | 10 AST | 54.4 FPS
Jokic extended his triple-double streak and has now scored 20 or more points in three of his first four games. Over each of the past three seasons, he’s put up at least 58 double-doubles and 25 triple-doubles.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Jeremiah Fears NOP PG 21 PTS | 10-15 FG | 6 AST | 36.2 FPS
Fears stood out today after a dismal 1-for-11 shooting performance against the Celtics. He took over for the Pelicans, leading the team in both scoring and assists. However, his three-point shooting remains a weakness.
SCORING MACHINES:
Jamal Murray DEN PG 17 PTS | 3-8 3PT | 4-4 FT | 30.4 FPS
Murray was outstanding in his first three games, averaging 30.3 points on 50/40/90 shooting splits. He wasn’t as sharp today but still stayed productive, knocking down three triples and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
Christian Braun DEN SG 17 PTS | 8-13 FG | 1-3 3PT | 32.2 FPS
Braun’s offense has been up-and-down in the opening week, but he delivered today, hitting 60% from the field and posting 15+ points for the second time this season while also contributing across the board.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Aaron Gordon DEN PF 9 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 22.3 FPS
Gordon has gone cold offensively, going 2-for-12 from deep over his last three games after an explosive opener against the Warriors, where he hit 10-of-11. However, he’s remained perfect from the foul line at 19-for-19 and has notched his second game with 8+ rebounds this season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Peyton Watson DEN SF 5 REB | 1 STL | 3 BLK | 30.5 FPS
Watson shone on the defensive end and led all bench players in assists. Last season, he recorded 3+ stocks in 25 games.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Tim Hardaway Jr. 11 PTS | 4-6 FG | 3-5 3PT | 13.7 FPS
Hardaway is heating up from downtown, knocking down 7-for-11 threes over his last two games. Last season with the Pistons, he averaged 2.2 threes per game while shooting nearly 37%.
THE X-FACTOR:
Jonas Valanciunas DEN C 10 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 19.7 FPS
JV continues to provide solid numbers in both scoring and rebounding despite limited minutes.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Saddiq Bey NOP SF 7 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 19.6 FPS
Saddiq has shot 8-for-17 from deep in his last three games while also putting up decent numbers in multiple categories.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Jordan Poole NOP SG 9 PTS | 1 REB | 2 AST
Poole came into the game averaging 20 points and 3 triples, but he couldn’t find his rhythm today, shooting 2-of-11 from the field and a rough 1-of-7 from long range.
