Nuggets Bounce Back with Impressive Win Over Pacers

After a high-profile loss to the Lakers, the Denver Nuggets needed a strong response, and they delivered on Monday night. Facing the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Nuggets secured a 125-116 victory, marking their 10th win in the last 11 games.

Aaron Gordon led the charge with 25 points, while Nikola Jokic set a career-high with 19 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. The Nuggets quickly established momentum, building a 17-point lead late in the third quarter. Although the Pacers made a push in the fourth, cutting the lead to six, Denver proved resilient. This season, they are an impressive 26-1 when leading at halftime.

Contributions came from multiple players, with Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, and Jamal Murray each adding 16 or more points. The Nuggets demonstrated their dominance in the paint, outscoring Indiana 74-46 despite committing 19 turnovers. As a testament to their teamwork, Denver assisted on 39 of their 53 made shots, highlighting their unselfish play.

Murray excelled early, hitting all four of his 3-point attempts in the first half, but faced challenges after picking up his third foul early in the second quarter. Head coach Michael Malone had to juggle his lineup, bringing in Russell Westbrook and Jalen Pickett to fill the gap. Pickett made the most of his playing time, delivering a memorable highlight with a 15-foot baseline floater that electrified the bench.

On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton, known for his exceptional passing skills, assisted on 15 baskets while scoring 19 points. All-Star Pascal Siakam struggled, finishing with 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting, while Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points.

Jokic, who faced a tough game against the Lakers, continued to adapt. While he took only 14 shots for 18 points, his passing was the focal point of the night. He delivered timely assists, including three crucial feeds to Braun during Indiana’s late comeback effort.

With this victory, the Nuggets reaffirmed their status as a formidable team, blending individual talent with cohesive team play. As they move forward in the season, their ability to bounce back from setbacks will be key in their pursuit of success.