The Denver Nuggets survived a wild, high-scoring contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 141-135 in overtime on October 25, 2026. Denver needed a late comeback just to force extra time, then dominated the extra period behind Nikola Jokic’s interior control and Jamal Murray’s shot-making.

Game overview

Both teams played at a furious pace from the opening tip. Denver led 32-30 after the first quarter, but New Orleans responded with a 37-point second period to take a 67-66 halftime lead. The Nuggets reclaimed momentum in the third, only for the Pelicans to battle back in the fourth and send the game to overtime tied at 129-129.

• First quarter: Nuggets 32, Pelicans 30
• Second quarter: Pelicans 37, Nuggets 34
• Third quarter: Nuggets 35, Pelicans 31
• Fourth quarter: Pelicans 31, Nuggets 28
• Overtime: Nuggets 12, Pelicans 6
• Final: Nuggets 141, Pelicans 135

Key moments

The regulation finish was dramatic. New Orleans led by five with under two minutes remaining, but Denver chipped away through Jokic post touches and a Murray pull-up jumper. Jokic then tied the game with a putback in traffic with 8.4 seconds left, and the Pelicans could not convert at the buzzer.

In overtime, Denver immediately seized control. Christian Braun hit a corner three on the first possession, Aaron Gordon added a dunk in transition, and the Nuggets’ defense forced New Orleans into three empty trips. The Pelicans never led again.

Tactical story

Denver’s half-court execution and offensive rebounding ultimately made the difference. The Nuggets generated extra possessions by crashing the glass, and Jokic’s passing punished New Orleans whenever the Pelicans sent help. Murray’s ability to create off screens also kept Denver’s offense flowing when the pace slowed in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans played with great energy and attacked the rim relentlessly, especially through Zion Williamson. The Pelicans were effective in transition and scored well in the paint, but they struggled to contain Denver’s two-man game late. Foul trouble and a few rushed possessions in overtime left them chasing the game.

Standout performers

Jokic finished with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, controlling the game from the elbow and the post. Murray added 28 points, while Cameron Johnson scored 24 and Braun contributed 16. New Orleans was led by Williamson’s 36 points and 11 rebounds, with Trey Murphy III scoring 27 and Dejounte Murray adding 21.

What the result means

The overtime win gives Denver a valuable early-season result in the Western Conference race and shows the Nuggets can win even when the game becomes a track meet. For New Orleans, the loss is painful but encouraging: the Pelicans competed deep into overtime on the road against a contender. Both teams will take lessons from a game that featured 276 combined points and constant momentum swings.