The Denver Nuggets (38-20) surged ahead with a dominant third quarter and got back into the win column with a 125-116 victory against the Indiana Pacers (32-24) on February 25.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
Nikola Jokic 18 PTS | 19 AST | 4 STL | 71.0 FPS
Joker’s offensive production has been down in his last two games, but he continues to dominate across multiple areas, nearly achieving his 27th triple-double of the season while setting a new career high in assists.
Michael Porter Jr. 19 PTS | 11 REB | 3 AST | 35.3 FPS
MPJ has played exceptionally well prior to the break, scoring over 30 points in three-straight games, but his performance has subsequently declined, with three-point shooting presenting a significant concern. Nevertheless, he has remained a productive rebounder and delivered an improved performance today.
Aaron Gordon 25 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 35.0 FPS
Gordon is steadily returning to form, averaging 22 points, while shooting at 60% from the field and 50% from three and providing decent rebounding value in each of his last three games. However, he’ll likely continue to miss back-to-backs as he manages his injury.
Christian Braun 17 PTS | 7-11 FG | 8 REB | 27.1 FPS
Braun’s production suffered a sharp decline after the break with the team getting healthy. But he delivered a strong performance today and is likely to maintain his starting spot.
Jamal Murray 16 PTS | 4-4 3PT | 6 AST | 26.2 FPS
Murray’s scoring has dipped in his last two games, but his hot shooting, especially from three-point range (averaging six makes over his last four games), continued alongside his consistent playmaking and steals.
Indiana Pacers Top Performers:
Tyrese Haliburton 19 PTS | 15 AST | 3 STL | 50.7 FPS
Haliburton has been on fire since the break, shooting 50% or better from the field, draining 4+ threes, and piling up assists and steals in each of his last three games. With a favorable schedule ahead, he’s in a great position to keep his hot-streak rolling.
Myles Turner 23 PTS | 3 STL | 1 BLK | 37.4 FPS
Turner’s shooting could use an improvement, but he has still scored 17 or more points in three-straight games with elite performance from the line while also making a strong impact across all categories.
Pascal Siakam 19 PTS | 9 REB | 2 AST | 30.8 FPS
Siakam has yet to reach 20 points since the break. His shooting percentages are down with a particularly noticeable decline in free-throw shooting in three games. But a more favorable schedule should help him bounce back.
Aaron Nesmith 17 PTS | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 28.8 FPS
Nesmith has been a reliable performer after the break, achieving double-digit scoring with strong shooting percentages and solid rebounding in three consecutive games.
Ben Sheppard 7 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 21.9 FPS
Sheppard is a capable scorer and also has provided decent rebounding value in his last two games. However, his inconsistency and limited role makes it difficult to consider him fantasy-relevant.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Russell Westbrook 7 PTS | 5 AST | 3 TO
Russ has struggled since returning from a hamstring injury, with underwhelming numbers and poor shooting in his last three games. But he should remain a valuable contributor, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
