Nikola Jokic’s heroic block makes Nuggets hold off Pelicans 114-112

Nikola Jokic’s heroic block makes Nuggets hold off Pelicans 114-112

Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic not only led the Denver Nuggets by scoring 32 points but also came in strong to block Zion Williamson’s dunk with 2.2 seconds on the board to ensure Nuggets get past Pelicans 114-112. The Denver Nuggets keep on winning games even though they are without their marquee scorer Jamal Murray. 

Leading by 9 points with 52.8 seconds remaining, the suddenly turnover-prone Nuggets withstood a furious rally by the Pelicans, who cut the lead to 114-112 with 9.9 seconds remaining. Zion Williamson was going in for a dunk when Nikola Jokic knocked the ball away. 

Nikola Jokic blocks Zion Williamson’s game tying shot 

Michael Porter Jr. added 28 points and Facundo Campazzo made three critical 3-pointers down the stretch on his way to a career-high 19 points. Aaron Gordon contributed 10 points while also keeping close tabs on Williamson in a game where the Nuggets never trailed. Denver Nuggets improved to 7-1 since Murray was lost for the season with a torn ACL. 

On the other hand, Brandon Ingram scored 27 points, while Lonzo Ball recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Williamson had 21 points and two rebounds for a New Orleans team that’s trying to climb into the playoff picture. The Pelicans entered the night 11th in the West. 

Porter had two critical layups in the fourth. But on his second one, he crashed to the floor and stayed down for a moment. He gingerly walked to the bench for a timeout before returning after the break. Michael Porter Jr then soon hit a 3-pointer. 

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