Short-handed Nuggets triumph over Pacers

Short-handed Nuggets Triumph Over Pacers

Nikola Jokic delivered an impressive performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, achieving his sixth triple-double in nine games this season. His leadership guided the Denver Nuggets to a 117-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, completing a sweep of their four-game homestand.

Team Challenges and Lineup Adjustments

The Nuggets played without key players Jamal Murray, sidelined due to left calf tightness, and Aaron Gordon, out with a left hamstring issue. This game marked the second in a back-to-back series. Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 16 points, started in their place. Gordon, who missed 31 games last season due to injuries, currently averages a career-best 20.1 points per game.

"If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension," said Denver coach David Adelman. "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."

Indiana Pacers' Struggles Continue

The Pacers continue to face difficulties, losing eight of their last nine games. Indiana welcomed back Andrew Nembhard from a left shoulder strain that caused him to miss seven consecutive games. Aaron Nesmith led the team with 25 points, while Nembhard contributed 22 points. Recently signed Monte Morris played 15 minutes and scored one point.

Author's summary: Despite key absences, Nikola Jokic's dominant triple-double propelled the Nuggets to a confident win, while the Pacers struggle continues amid returning players and ongoing losses.

WISH-TV — 2025-11-09