5 Things the Pelicans Learned in Their Loss to the Nuggets

A narrow margin, same result

New Orleans avoided a double-digit defeat for the first time in five games, though the finish made the score closer. With 8.7 seconds left, Jordan Poole was fouled while shooting a three and converted all three free throws, setting the final score at 116-108.

The loss came on the second night of a back-to-back and was the Pelicans’ third against Denver this season. They showed more resistance than in their previous four defeats, but still fell behind by 15 midway through the fourth quarter.

Good offense was not enough

The Pelicans made 13 three-pointers, committed only 11 turnovers and got 42 points from their bench. Zion Williamson added 24 points, including two three-pointers, while New Orleans shot 52.5% from the floor and scored 116 points.

Those contributions did not produce a serious late challenge. New Orleans has shown it can put together strong stretches, but its offense can falter when opponents disrupt its main options, and defensive lapses often give back points.

Denver won the interior battle

New Orleans scored 62 points in the paint, compared with Denver’s 44, but the Nuggets still found repeated ways to create good chances. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic attacked the defense or moved the ball to teammates in better positions.

Denver made four three-pointers, while the Pelicans held a 27-point advantage from beyond the arc. But the Nuggets collected 47 rebounds to New Orleans’ 38, and the Pelicans struggled to keep opponents out of the paint. Missi’s presence helped around the rim, but could not repair broader defensive breakdowns.

Pierre and Missi made an impact

Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 13 points in 23 minutes after recording 23 in a G League game earlier that day. Across those games and four minutes against the Nets, he played in three games within 24 hours. Pierre added energy to the backcourt, made two three-pointers and looked to attack.