Jokić leads Nuggets comeback with fiery rebuke of booing fans

Nikola Jokić delivered a masterclass in resilience, recording his 199th regular-season triple-double to lead the short-handed Denver Nuggets to a 141-135 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans ^[1]. The win came after a shocking 23-point deficit at halftime, with Denver trailing 73-57 after a 65.9% shooting first half from New Orleans ^[2].

Despite the early collapse, Jokić remained composed, scoring eight of his 35 points in overtime and finishing with 15 rebounds and 10 assists ^[1]. The crowd’s reaction—boos at halftime—spurred a fiery postgame statement. "We got booed at our first home game, and I think those fans who booed us, they don’t need to come anymore," Jokić said ^[2]. He added that fans who follow the team know they never quit, citing past comebacks as proof.

Jamal Murray fueled the rally with 42 points, including key baskets in the fourth quarter and overtime. Rookie Trevon Brazile, making his home debut, contributed 17 points, with seven in overtime, including a crucial corner three with 1:25 left to give Denver a 133-129 lead ^[1].

Denver played without Cam Johnson (ankle), Alpha Diallo (sprained wrist), and remained without Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones ^[1]. The Pelicans, under first-year coach Jamahl Mosley, dropped their third straight game, despite strong showings from Trey Murphy III (26 points), Dejounte Murray (22), and Zion Williamson (17) ^[2].

New Orleans received positive news as center Yves Missi’s knee injury from Friday was confirmed as a contusion, not a serious issue ^[2].

The game marked Jokić’s 199th career regular-season triple-double, second only to Russell Westbrook’s 209 ^[1]. He remains one short of passing the all-time record in the regular season. The story was first reported by The Guardian and ESPN.