Deadspin: String of Close Losses Gives Pelicans Another Shot Against Nuggets

A quick rematch in New Orleans

The Pelicans welcome the Nuggets on Wednesday for their second meeting in four days. New Orleans is still seeking its first win after opening the season with three losses.

Saturday’s game in Denver went to overtime, where the Nuggets prevailed 141-135. Jamal Murray scored 42 points, and Nikola Jokic recorded 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. It was Denver’s only victory in its first three games.

Denver looks for steadier shooting

The Nuggets made 10 of 29 three-point attempts against the Warriors, who hit 22 of 44. Denver has shot 34.5% or worse from beyond the arc in all three games, including 15 of 47 against New Orleans.

DeRozan has 26,757 career points, ranking 16th on the NBA’s all-time list. He is 190 points from passing Hakeem Olajuwon and 420 from passing Russell Westbrook. Denver coach David Adelman said, “There's 79 games to go,” while describing the team’s start as a process.

Injuries shape Denver’s rotations

Adelman said the Nuggets are working to find combinations that fit across their rotations. Murray and Jokic are each averaging 22.3 points per game, while DeRozan, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are also scoring in double figures.

Cameron Johnson sprained an ankle in the season opener against Oklahoma City and has missed the past two games. Julian Strawther has a left knee injury and is expected to be out at least four more weeks.

Pelicans focus on closing games

New Orleans has kept each of its first three games within six points. Besides the overtime loss to Denver, the Pelicans fell by three points to Indiana and by one to Utah.

Guard Saddiq Bey said the team’s practice emphasis was to improve late-game execution. First-year Pelicans coach Jamahl Mosley said the team expects to face more close finishes and that gaining experience in those situations can help.

Trey Murphy III led New Orleans last season with 21.5 points per game. Zion Williamson, who averaged 21 points in 2025-26, is leading the Pelicans early in 2026-27 with 20.7.