Nikola Jokic Hits Milestone as Denver Sweeps New Orleans

Jokic joins exclusive company

Nikola Jokic made history on Wednesday night, picking up his 200th regular season triple-double in a 104-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Denver center finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. He is now only the second player in NBA history to cross the 200 mark, joining Russell Westbrook, who retired after last season.

Westbrook needed 1,175 games to reach 200 triple-doubles, while Jokic hit the milestone in his 814th game. Jokic sits 10 away from passing Westbrook for the top spot on the all-time list. New Orleans has frequently been on the receiving end of his big nights, as 16 of his triple-doubles have come against the Pelicans. That is six more than he has recorded against any other opponent.

Hot start sets the tone

Denver never trailed on Wednesday, finishing off a two game sweep of their home and home set with New Orleans. Jamal Murray helped set the tone early by sinking his first three attempts from deep. The Nuggets converted 62 percent of their shots in the first quarter to build a 37-18 lead. A runner from Marvin Bagley later pushed the advantage to 44-22 during the second quarter.

Denver worked with a short rotation, playing only nine players because of injuries. Cam Johnson missed the contest with an ankle injury, Alpha Diallo sat with a sprained wrist, and both Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones remained out. Despite the short bench, Murray led Denver with 23 points. Aaron Gordon supplied 15 points and 11 rebounds, Christian Braun added 15 points, and Trevon Brazile pitched in 11.

Pelicans remain winless

The Pelicans dropped to 0-4 under first year coach Jamahl Mosley, hurt largely by poor shooting from outside. New Orleans made just 7 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc. Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 25 points and cut Denver's lead to 88-83 in the fourth quarter. Murray answered right back with a three and a driving finger roll to push the gap back to 10. Derik Queen had 11 points and 12 rebounds for New Orleans, while Jeremiah Fears scored 11 points.

What it means for the next game

Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns (NBA, Sat, 31 Oct): Phoenix Suns win 43%, Denver Nuggets win 57%; projected score Phoenix Suns 115, Denver Nuggets 117. Our safest pick: Suns +10.5.

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (NBA, Tue, 03 Nov): Denver Nuggets win 62%, Portland Trail Blazers win 38%; projected score Denver Nuggets 121, Portland Trail Blazers 116. Our safest pick: Nuggets +3.5.