New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets

Porter ties career high with 39 points, Jokic adds 38 as Nuggets beat struggling Pelicans 144-119

Porter finished 16 of 23 from the field, including five 3-pointers, and had 12 rebounds. His name has been mentioned in trade speculation ahead of Thursday’s deadline, but coach Michael Malone recently dismissed the notion.

Jokic added 10 assists and eight rebounds for the short-handed Nuggets, who were missing Russell Westbrook (hamstring) and Peyton Watson (knee). Aaron Gordon matched a career best with 12 assists.

Denver and New Orleans met for the second time in three nights. The Nuggets won 125-113 on Monday.

Zion Williamson finished with 28 points for the Pelicans, who lost their seventh straight game.

Takeaways Pelicans: Trey Murphy III had 25 points after going for 40 and 41 in his previous two games.

Nuggets: The Nuggets had 40 assists, 37 fast-break points and 74 points in the paint. They entered the game leading the league in all three categories. ... Christian Braun had 23 points. ... Porter also had 39 points on April 24, 2021, against Houston.

Key Moment Tied at 72 in the third quarter, Porter hit a running layup to give the Nuggets the lead for good. It was part of a 41-23 run to close out the quarter.

Key Stat Jokic attempted a career-high 13 shots from 3-point range and made five.

Up Next The Nuggets host Orlando on Thursday, while the Pelicans are at Sacramento on Saturday.

Regular Season Series

DEN wins series 3-1