denver nuggets vs new orleans pelicans timeline
A Complete Game Breakdown
When the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans share the court, basketball fans are treated to a fascinating battle between two Western Conference teams with contrasting styles. These matchups always bring energy, effort, and memorable moments. If you are looking for the full denver nuggets vs new orleans pelicans timeline, you have come to the right place. We will take you through every quarter of their most recent showdown, a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Understanding the timeline of a game helps you appreciate the flow and the critical moments that decide the final score.
From the opening tip to the final buzzer, every possession matters in the NBA. The January 13, 2026 game between these teams was a perfect example of why we love basketball. The lead changed hands multiple times, stars made big plays, and the outcome remained uncertain until the final minute. Let us walk through this exciting game together and see how it all unfolded.
The game took place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, with the Pelicans hosting the Nuggets on their home floor . Denver came into the game missing their superstar center Nikola Jokic, who was out with a hyperextended left knee sustained back on December 29 . That absence meant other players had to step up for the Nuggets. New Orleans, meanwhile, was struggling through a tough stretch, having lost 11 of their previous 12 games . Both teams had something to prove. The Nuggets wanted to show they could win without their three-time MVP. The Pelicans desperately needed a win to turn their season around. The stage was set for a memorable night of basketball, and the players delivered exactly that.
First Quarter Timeline: Fast Start for Both Teams
The game opened with both teams trading baskets right from the jump. The first quarter set the tone for what would be a tightly contested game throughout. Jamal Murray came out aggressive for Denver, scoring 11 points in the opening period alone . He knocked down two three-pointers and attacked the rim with confidence. His early scoring kept the Nuggets in front during the first few minutes. On the other side, Trey Murphy III matched Murray’s energy. Murphy scored at will in the first quarter, giving the Pelicans a reliable scoring option.
Here are the key moments from the first quarter timeline:
- Jamal Murray scored 11 points in the first quarter on 4 of 6 shooting
- The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field as a team in the opening quarter
- Trey Murphy III kept the Pelicans close with his scoring outburst
- The lead changed hands 4 times in the first 12 minutes alone
- Denver led 32-31 after one quarter of play
- Both teams showed they came ready to compete
The quarter ended with Denver holding a slim 32-31 lead . Neither team could pull away. Every time one team made a run, the other answered right back. The crowd was fully engaged, sensing this could be a special game. Both teams played hard on both ends, setting the stage for more drama ahead.
Second Quarter Timeline: Pelicans Take Control
The second quarter saw the momentum swing in favor of the home team. Peyton Watson caught fire for Denver in a big way. He went a perfect 6 for 6 from the field in the quarter, scoring 15 points on his own . His hot shooting kept the Nuggets within striking distance. But New Orleans had an answer for everything Denver threw at them. Trey Murphy III continued his dominant first half, adding to his total and keeping the pressure on the Denver defense.
The key events in the second quarter timeline included:
- Peyton Watson scored 15 points on 6 of 6 shooting, including one three-pointer
- Trey Murphy III finished the first half with 22 total points
- New Orleans outscored Denver 34-28 in the second quarter
- The Pelicans built their largest lead of the first half at 8 points
- Saddiq Bey contributed valuable minutes off the bench for New Orleans
- Denver struggled to contain Murphy, who could not miss from anywhere
By halftime, the Pelicans had taken a 65-60 lead over the Nuggets . The home crowd was loud and confident. New Orleans had controlled the second quarter and looked like the better team heading into the locker room. But anyone who knows basketball understands that a five-point lead with 24 minutes left means nothing. The game was far from over, and both teams knew it.
Third Quarter Timeline: Nuggets Fight Back
After halftime, the Denver Nuggets came out with renewed energy and focus. They knew they needed to tighten up their defense and find more consistent offense. The third quarter saw both teams battle fiercely, with neither willing to give an inch. Denver slowly chipped away at the New Orleans lead. They played with more physicality and forced the Pelicans into tougher shots.
The third quarter timeline featured these important moments:
- Denver outscored New Orleans 29-27 in the third period
- The Nuggets cut the deficit to just three points heading into the fourth quarter
- Jamal Murray continued his strong play, setting up teammates for easy baskets
- The Pelicans offense cooled off slightly after their hot first half
- Denver’s defense forced four turnovers in the quarter
- The score stood at 92-89 in favor of New Orleans after three quarters
The game was now perfectly positioned for a thrilling fourth quarter. Both teams had shown they could score. Both teams had shown they could defend. Now it came down to who wanted it more in the final 12 minutes. The crowd at the Smoothie King Center was on their feet, sensing the importance of every possession.
Fourth Quarter Timeline: Drama Until the End
The fourth quarter delivered everything fans could hope for and more. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final period. Both teams made big shots. Both teams made critical mistakes. The tension inside the arena was palpable. Every basket brought roars from one side and groans from the other. This was playoff-level intensity in a regular season game.
Here is how the fourth quarter timeline unfolded:
- New Orleans led 110-106 with just 4:04 remaining in the game
- Denver then went on a decisive 16-6 run to close out the victory
- Jamal Murray took over in the fourth, scoring 12 points on perfect shooting
- He made all three of his shots, including two three-pointers in about eight minutes
- Trey Murphy III’s layup tied the game at 114 with just 62 seconds remaining
- Peyton Watson answered with the biggest shot of the night, a tiebreaking jumper with 39 seconds left
- Aaron Gordon followed with a basket to push the lead to four points
- Murray iced the game with free throws, making it 120-114 with 8.6 seconds to go
The final score read Denver 122, New Orleans 116 . The Nuggets had stolen a road victory against a desperate Pelicans team. Denver improved to 4-2 in their last six games since the new year. New Orleans dropped their 11th game in 12 tries, a tough pill to swallow for the home crowd.
Complete Player Stats Table: Nuggets vs Pelicans
Here is the full breakdown of every player who contributed in this exciting game. These numbers come from the official NBA box score and show who made the biggest impact .
| Player (Team) | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | MIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 35 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 57.9% | 37:24 |
| Peyton Watson (DEN) | 31 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 68.8% | 39:19 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. (DEN) | 18 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 44.4% | 32:38 |
| Aaron Gordon (DEN) | 16 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 40.0% | 29:35 |
| Jalen Pickett (DEN) | 16 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.7% | 29:15 |
| Trey Murphy III (NO) | 31 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 61.1% | 34:01 |
| Saddiq Bey (NO) | 17 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.0% | 31:48 |
| Jordan Poole (NO) | 16 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 44.4% | 19:48 |
| Zion Williamson (NO) | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 41.7% | 31:28 |
| Derik Queen (NO) | 10 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 50.0% | 28:48 |
Game Leaders and Key Performances
Looking at the denver nuggets vs new orleans pelicans timeline, certain players stood out above the rest. Jamal Murray delivered a masterful performance for Denver. He finished with 35 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals . He was the engine that made the Nuggets offense run smoothly. Without Nikola Jokic on the floor, Murray knew he had to carry more of the scoring load, and he delivered in a big way. His fourth quarter takeover was the difference in the game.
Peyton Watson provided the biggest surprise of the night. The young forward scored 31 points on incredible 68.8 percent shooting . He also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists in an all-around performance. Coming off being named Western Conference Player of the Week, Watson proved that award was no fluke . He made play after play when his team needed him most.
For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III was sensational. He scored 31 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including 4 three-pointers . He kept the Pelicans in the game with his scoring and energy. Rookie Derik Queen also impressed with a double-double, grabbing 13 rebounds and scoring 10 points while adding 5 assists . The future looks bright for New Orleans with young players like Murphy and Queen leading the way.
Team Statistics Comparison
Beyond individual performances, the team stats tell an important story about why Denver won this game. Both teams shot the ball well, but Denver made fewer mistakes and capitalized on New Orleans turnovers. Here is how the teams compared in key statistical categories :
- Denver shot 48.8 percent from the field compared to 45.3 percent for New Orleans
- The Nuggets made 14 three-pointers at a 40 percent clip
- New Orleans shot 37.9 percent from deep on 29 attempts
- Denver committed only 7 turnovers, an incredibly low number
- The Pelicans turned the ball over 15 times, leading to easy Nuggets points
- New Orleans dominated the rebounding battle 51 to 32
- The Pelicans grabbed 16 offensive rebounds but could not convert enough second chances
- Denver scored 16 points off turnovers compared to just 4 for New Orleans
The rebounding numbers show just how hard New Orleans battled on the glass. Outrebounding Denver by 19 boards should normally lead to a win. But the turnovers killed any chance the Pelicans had. Giving the ball away 15 times against a good team like Denver is simply too many. The Nuggets took care of the basketball and made New Orleans pay for their mistakes.
Historical Context: Nuggets vs Pelicans Rivalry
The denver nuggets vs new orleans pelicans timeline goes back many years. These two teams have faced each other dozens of times since the Pelicans joined the NBA. Denver holds the advantage in recent meetings, having won the first two matchups against New Orleans earlier in the 2025-26 season before this game . With this victory, the Nuggets completed a 3-0 season sweep of the Pelicans.
The two teams have met once in the playoffs, back in 2009. The Nuggets won that series 4-1, sweeping the first two games in New Orleans before closing it out at home. That playoff series added some extra heat to this matchup. Players may change, but franchise rivalries carry on through the years. Every game between these teams matters a little more because of their history.
This particular game featured 16 lead changes and 14 ties, showing just how competitive the matchup was . Neither team led by more than 11 points at any point in the contest. Games like this remind fans why the Nuggets-Pelicans rivalry has become so compelling in recent years.
What This Game Means Going Forward
Every game in the NBA season carries weight, but this one had extra significance for both teams. For Denver, winning without Nikola Jokic proved something important. It showed the Nuggets have depth and resilience. Players like Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson stepped up and carried the team. When Jokic returns, Denver will be even more dangerous. This win improved their record to 27-13 and kept them near the top of the Western Conference standings .
For New Orleans, this loss stung deeply. They fought hard and played well enough to win most nights. But they could not close out the game in the fourth quarter. Dropping their 11th game in 12 tries is demoralizing for any team . The Pelicans fell to 9-33 with the loss, tied for the fewest wins in the Western Conference . The Pelicans need to find a way to turn things around quickly. The talent is there with players like Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson. They just need to put together a complete 48-minute effort and learn how to win close games again.
The two teams will not meet again in the regular season unless they face each other in the playoffs. When they do, the Pelicans will have revenge on their minds. Denver will look to continue their dominance. That is what makes NBA rivalries so special. Every game writes a new chapter in the timeline, and fans get to enjoy every moment.
Plus/Minus Analysis: Who Made the Biggest Impact
Looking at the plus/minus numbers reveals some interesting insights about this game :
- Peyton Watson led all players with a +15 plus/minus, meaning the Nuggets outscored New Orleans by 15 points during his 39 minutes on the floor
- His net rating of +24 was the best in the game, showing his massive impact
- Tim Hardaway Jr. was +12, providing excellent production off the bench
- Jamal Murray was +8 in his 37 minutes
- Derik Queen was even at 0, impressive for a rookie against a quality opponent
- Jordan Hawkins was +4 in limited minutes, the only Pelican with a positive plus/minus
These numbers show just how important Peyton Watson was to Denver’s success. The Nuggets dominated with him on the floor and struggled without him. For a young player to have that kind of impact in a close game against a hungry opponent speaks volumes about his development.
The Comeback: How Denver Stole the Win
The most impressive part of this game was how Denver closed it out. New Orleans led 110-106 with just 4:04 remaining . The Pelicans seemed in control and ready to snap their losing streak. But the Nuggets had other plans. They went on a decisive 16-6 run to end the game, completely taking control in the final minutes.
Denver’s defense tightened up, forcing tough shots and grabbing key rebounds. Their offense executed perfectly, with Murray and Watson making every big shot. The Pelicans, meanwhile, could not buy a basket when they needed it most. They turned the ball over, missed shots, and watched their lead disappear.
This kind of late-game execution is what separates good teams from great ones. The Nuggets, even without their best player, showed the composure and skill of a championship contender. The Pelicans, still learning how to win, let another game slip away.
Looking Ahead: Future Matchups
The Nuggets and Pelicans will not meet again in the 2025-26 regular season unless they face each other in the playoffs. With the standings where they are, that possibility seems unlikely at this point. Denver is fighting for a top seed in the Western Conference while New Orleans is focused on development and building for the future.
For fans who love following the denver nuggets vs new orleans pelicans timeline, this game will be remembered for years to come. The 16 lead changes, the 14 ties, the dramatic finish all combine to create a classic NBA memory. Jamal Murray’s 35 points, Peyton Watson’s breakout performance, and Trey Murphy III’s 31 points all contributed to an unforgettable night of basketball.
As both teams continue their seasons, they will use this game as motivation. The Nuggets proved they can win without their superstar. The Pelicans learned painful lessons about closing out games. When these teams meet again next season, the intensity will only be higher.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans timeline from January 13, 2026, tells the story of an unforgettable NBA game. Jamal Murray scored 35 points and took over in the fourth quarter. Peyton Watson added 31 points in a breakout performance. Trey Murphy III scored 31 for the Pelicans in a losing effort. The game featured 16 lead changes and 14 ties, keeping fans engaged from start to finish. Denver won 122-116 despite being outrebounded by 19 boards. They protected the basketball, made big shots down the stretch, and found a way to win on the road. Games like this remind us why we love basketball.
The drama, the tension, the joy of victory and the agony of defeat all on display in one beautiful contest. As the season continues, both teams will look back on this game and use it as motivation for the battles ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Nuggets and Pelicans play their most recent game?
The most recent game between the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans took place on January 13, 2026. The Nuggets won 122-116 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans .
Who was the top scorer in the January 2026 game?
Jamal Murray led all scorers with 35 points for the Nuggets. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 31 points in a losing effort .
Did Nikola Jokic play in this game?
No, Nikola Jokic did not play. He was out with a hyperextended left knee sustained on December 29, 2025. The Nuggets won without their superstar center .
What was the最关键 moment in the fourth quarter?
The biggest play came with 39 seconds remaining. Peyton Watson hit a tiebreaking jumper to put Denver ahead for good. Aaron Gordon followed with another basket, and Jamal Murray made free throws to seal the win .
How did the Pelicans lose despite outrebounding Denver?
New Orleans outrebounded Denver 51 to 32, including 16 offensive rebounds. But they committed 15 turnovers compared to only 7 for Denver. Those extra possessions for the Nuggets made the difference .
What is the season series record between these teams?
The Nuggets won all three meetings against the Pelicans in the 2025-26 season. This 122-116 victory completed the season sweep for Denver .
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