Short-handed Nuggets triumph over Pacers

Short-handed Nuggets Triumph Over Pacers

Nikola Jokic delivered a dominant performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, marking his sixth triple-double in nine games this season. He led the Denver Nuggets to a 117-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, enabling Denver to complete a four-game homestand sweep despite missing key players.

Injury Challenges and Lineup Changes

Denver was without regular starters Jamal Murray, sidelined with left calf tightness, and Aaron Gordon, out due to a left hamstring issue, during the second game of a back-to-back schedule. Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson, who scored a season-high 16 points, started in their place.

“If he feels something that can turn into something worse, there is a little bit of apprehension,” said Denver coach David Adelman. “Aaron’s a guy we have to protect … because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big and jump that high and explode like that.”

Gordon, who missed 31 games last year due to injuries, is currently averaging a career-best 20.1 points per game.

Indiana Pacers Struggle Continues

The Pacers, also impacted by injuries early in the season, have lost eight of their last nine games. They welcomed back Andrew Nembhard, who returned from a left shoulder strain that sidelined him for seven games. Nembhard contributed 22 points, while Aaron Nesmith led Indiana’s scoring with 25 points.

Newly signed Monte Morris played 15 minutes and scored one point.

Game Summary

Final Score: Denver Nuggets 117, Indiana Pacers 100
Nikola Jokic: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists (6th triple-double in 9 games)
Aaron Nesmith: 25 points (Indiana)
Andrew Nembhard: 22 points (Indiana)
Peyton Watson: Season-high 16 points (Denver, starter)

Author’s summary: Despite key injuries, Nikola Jokic's stellar triple-double performance powered a short-handed Denver Nuggets to a decisive win, while the struggling Pacers continued to face lineup challenges.

WISH-TV — 2025-11-09