Pelicans Fall to the Nuggets in Overtime, 138-130

New Orleans' four-game win streak was snapped by Nikola Jokic's 46 points as the Denver downed the Pelicans 138-130.

The reigning MVP finished the contest with 46 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. His 30-point fourth quarter led the Nuggets back from a 10-point deficit after the 3rd quarter. A pivotal game moment came when Jokic connected on a three-pointer before and hit a jump shot that sealed the win for the Denver Nuggets.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans' comeback in the second half. Unfortunately, he committed a turnover and foul on two consecutive possessions with under two minutes remaining in overtime.

Ingram scored 38 points on 12/24 (50%) shooting from the floor. However, his 7 points in the fourth quarter and overtime contributed to the Pelicans' late downfall in Denver.

CJ McCollum added 24 points and nine assists in his 10th game with the Pelicans. Jonas Valancuinas (17 points, 14 rebounds) did his best to negate Jokic's historic night, but with the help of Aaron Gordon (28 points, eight rebounds), Denver scored 18 more points in the paint. The Nuggets also had eight blocks and shot 43 free-throws, while New Orleans had 29.

The Pelicans had their chances. After trailing by 21 points in the first half, New Orleans stormed back to take an 11-point lead with 3:22 left in regulation.

Head coach Mike Malone about his ejection, "I apologized to the team," Malone said. "I have to control my emotions. I cannot put them in a position like that. I've got to be better than that. That's something I felt bad about."

Malone's team pulled out a thrilling win at home to remain in sixth place in the West.

The Pelicans outscored Denver 75-49 in the two middle quarters, and Ingram hit a 60-foot prayer at the halftime buzzer. It seemed Denver would not get the favorable bounces, but New Orleans failed to make their free throws in the last minute of regulation.

Guards Brandon Ingram and Devonte' Graham missed critical free throws in the fourth quarter that prevented a New Orleans victory.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green stated this type of loss is "really valuable for us. It's going to continue to build our guys, our toughness, our mentality. You give Denver credit, they did what they needed to do down the stretch to win the game, but we'll be better from going through these types of experiences."

New Orleans are underdogs to host an NBA Play-In game. The loss to a playoff-caliber squad like Denver will be a learning lesson for the young team.

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