Denver’s 125-118 road win over New Orleans on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 showcased a full-game swing that started with Pelicans pace and ended with Nuggets poise late in the match timeline.
The matchup at Smoothie King Center tipped off at 11:44 PM local time, and it quickly turned into a test of composure as both teams piled up steals, turnovers, and momentum-changing runs.
Nikola Jokić posted a triple-double with 28 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds, while Peyton Watson erupted for a career-high 32 to power Denver to its eighth win in nine games and top the match player stats.
New Orleans, playing with renewed energy as Zion Williamson returned from a hamstring injury, got a season-high 30 from rookie center Derik Queen and made Denver sweat late after trimming a 19-point deficit to single digits.
| Game Phase | What Happened | Score Note |
|---|---|---|
| Early (Q1) | Pelicans jump ahead with pressure and pace | NOP up 23-10 at peak |
| Middle (Q2) | Denver steadies and takes lead for good | DEN up 51-49 moment |
| Surge (Q3) | Watson burst, then Jokić control extends margin | DEN builds to 93-76 |
| Finish (Q4) | Pelicans rally, Nuggets close with free throws | DEN 125-118 |
• Watson’s scoring stretched New Orleans repeatedly
• Jokić dictated Denver’s offense despite heavy ball pressure
• New Orleans’ late run made the closing minutes meaningful
First Half Timeline: Pelicans strike first, Nuggets absorb and answer
New Orleans opened with urgency, forcing turnovers and sprinting into early offense.
Williamson’s return added downhill pressure, and the Pelicans briefly looked in control when Herb Jones’ three helped push the lead to 23-10 in the first quarter.
Denver did not panic, and Watson’s early buckets helped stabilize the Nuggets while Jokić began drawing help defenders to create cleaner looks.
The game flipped late in the second quarter when Watson drilled a three that put Denver ahead 51-49 with 3:02 left, a lead the Nuggets would not relinquish.
At halftime, Denver’s edge was narrow at 62-58, setting the stage for a decisive third-quarter push.
• New Orleans’ early defense produced quick points
• Denver’s response came through Watson’s shot-making
• The lead changed when Denver finally solved the pressure
Third Quarter Timeline: Watson ignites, then Jokić takes over
Watson delivered the defining stretch coming out of halftime, scoring 11 points in the first six minutes of the second half.
That burst widened Denver’s advantage and forced New Orleans to chase matchups across the floor.
As the Pelicans tried to counter with Derik Queen’s interior scoring and Trey Murphy III’s perimeter threat, Jokić answered with a putback, a high-arcing pull-up jumper, and a three that pushed the cushion to 93-76.
Denver entered the fourth with control, but not comfort.
• Watson’s early-third surge broke the rhythm
• Jokić’s shot variety expanded the margin
• New Orleans stayed afloat behind Queen and Murphy
Fourth Quarter: Pelicans rally, Nuggets close at the line
New Orleans continued to fight, and Queen’s scoring kept the game within reach even after Jokić fouled out with 2:44 left.
The Pelicans reduced the deficit to single digits in the final minutes, creating late-game tension.
Former Pelican Jonas Valančiūnas answered with two clutch jumpers, and Jamal Murray’s late free throws, including a pair with 31 seconds remaining, helped Denver finish the job.
• Queen’s late push made it competitive
• Valančiūnas delivered timely scoring in the clutch
• Murray’s free throws sealed the outcome
Tables
Final Score
| Team | Final |
|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 125 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 118 |
Match Player Stats Comparison
| Stat | Nuggets | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 46-83 (55.4%) | 44-98 (44.9%) |
| 3PT | 11-31 (35.5%) | 7-34 (20.6%) |
| Free Throws | 22-27 (81.5%) | 23-31 (74.2%) |
| Rebounds | 41 | 44 |
| Assists | 35 | 25 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 12 |
Top Performers
| Team | Player | Key Line |
|---|---|---|
| Nuggets | Peyton Watson | 32 PTS, 13-19 FG, 5-9 3PT, 12 REB |
| Nuggets | Nikola Jokić | 28 PTS, 12 AST, 11 REB, 9 TO |
| Pelicans | Derik Queen | 30 PTS, 9 REB, strong two-way activity |
| Pelicans | Trey Murphy III | 23 PTS, 5-12 3PT, 5 STL |
| Pelicans | Zion Williamson | 14 PTS, 6 REB in return |
Key Timeline Moments
| Time/Segment | Moment | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Pelicans surge to 23-10 | Set early tone with pressure |
| Q2 (3:02) | Watson 3 gives DEN 51-49 | Denver lead for good |
| Early Q3 | Watson scores 11 in 6 minutes | Lead expands quickly |
| Q3 | Jokić makes it 93-76 | Denver’s biggest separation |
| Q4 (2:44) | Jokić fouls out | Opened door for rally |
| Final minute | Murray FTs and Valančiūnas jumpers | Closed the game |
Nuggets vs Pelicans Shooting Leaders
| Category | Nuggets Leader | Pelicans Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Most Points | Watson (32) | Queen (30) |
| Best Volume Efficiency | Watson (68.4% FG) | Queen (66.7% FG) |
| 3PT Impact | Watson (5 threes) | Murphy (5 threes) |