Pelicans vs. Nuggets: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The New Orleans Pelicans (19-32) play against the Denver Nuggets (23-23) at Ball Arena
Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Friday February 4, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans 59, Denver Nuggets 60 (Q3 08:16)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
The Pelicans need a guard so badly. – 10:27 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
I’d like to see the Nuggets get the ball to Jokic on the move. That has been one area they’ve found success this season when they haven’t been able to take advantage of hard doubles in the post. – 10:24 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
The numbers from the first pic.twitter.com/q0Zla0Pyzr – 10:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nathaniel Hackett is at the Nuggets game, and my biggest impression of him is “this guy effing rules.” – 10:18 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
See all the flicks from our first 24 in Denver 👀
https://t.co/RJR1F8rDQR pic.twitter.com/bsrM21JT8y – 10:17 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
What’s your @socios Top Moment of the First Half? – 10:13 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Stats at 1/2
@Jaxson Hayes 12pts, 5reb
@Brandon Ingram 10pts, 5ast
@Nickeil Alexander-Walker 7pts, 3reb, 2ast – 10:11 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Here’s a photo of a guy who didn’t miss a shot in the first half⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aiABOyT4eX – 10:11 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they lead 52-51 over the Pelicans:
-Davon Reed has been fantastic in his 12 minutes. Doing exactly what’s asked of him.
-9-5-5 from Jokić on 2 shots…should probably take some more
-Bench all had positive +/-, starters were all negative pic.twitter.com/BmU2H09b7K – 10:09 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nuggets lead 52-51 at the half over New Orleans.
Denver is already up to 11 3-pointers in the game.
Nuggets are getting a balanced scoring punch with no player in double-digits but Jokic has only taken two shots, that has to change.
Expect a big 2nd half. – 10:08 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Up after one pic.twitter.com/ra39yJ8wQZ – 10:06 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Will Barton these days: pic.twitter.com/n88J6ilmAH – 10:05 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 1st half: Nuggets 52, Pels 51
Hayes 12 pts & 5 rebs
Ingram 10 pts & 5 assts
NAW 7 pts
Pels have managed to keep this one close despite Denver making 11 3-pointers and BI going 3-11 from the field. Jokic only attempted 2 shots in the half. Guessing that’ll change soon – 10:05 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
this close 👌🏽🤪 pic.twitter.com/9UGcVZiydW – 10:05 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
HALF: Nuggets 52, Pelicans 51
– Jaxson: 12p, 5r, 5/5 FG
– JV: 6p, 6r
– Ingram: 10p, 5a
– Graham: 6p, 3r, 3a
– NAW: 7p, 3r, 2a
DEN: 14p off turnovers
NO: 2p off turnovers
Pels: 46.5 FG%, 5/16 3P, 6/6 FT
Nuggets: 41.5 FG%, 11/22 3P, 7/8 FT – 10:04 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
9-5-5 for Jokic in the first half on 2-2 shooting. Got to expect he’ll be a lot more aggressive in the second half. – 10:04 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Just horrible, no good, very bad half for Will Barton. He’s forcing way too much and it’s hurting the lineup. Denver doesn’t need him to push so hard. – 10:03 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Brandon Ingram has had like five passes in this first half that maybe a little more than half the point guards in this league make regularly. – 10:01 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Jaxson Hayes (12 pts, 5/5 FGs) now has eight double-digit scoring games in his last dozen appearances. He scored 10+ points four times in his first 28 games this season – 10:01 PM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Jaxson Hayes is good. – 10:00 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Frustrating game from the starters, but Davon Reed is busting his ass. Ingram is struggling tonight. – 10:00 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Jaxson Hayes at the 4 minutes have been a success in this 1st half – 9:59 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
If you didnt know by now, I am very much so in on Zeke Nnaji. He has a bright future. – 9:56 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
When DEN bench features Bones+Nnaji without Campazzo, they have a 112.9 ORTG & a 113.5 DRTG which is -0.5 NRTG.
That might not seem good, but it means DEN is playing their opponents nearly even when Bones+Nnaji play without Facu off the bench.
That is meaningful. – 9:55 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Normal threes ❌
Floater threes ✅ pic.twitter.com/Cb2XHUIb7b – 9:46 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Austin Rivers kick out, Zeke Nnaji drive and kick out, JaMychal hits the corner three. Pretty good! – 9:45 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
🤯🤯
📺: @BallySportsNO
📻: @ESPNRadioNOLA pic.twitter.com/Rzn6x8auMS – 9:41 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Jose Alvarado is shooting 39% from the field this season, but since Jan. 9, he’s at 45% FGs and 38% on three-pointers. His efficiency looks much better when you subtract some of his early-season stats from mop-up time of fourth quarters – 9:39 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets defense has not been great tonight after the first rotation. They look like a team having their first home game after a long road trip. – 9:39 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Jaxson Hayes reverse oops becoming a nightly thing. – 9:38 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Holding our own after 12 😤
#Pelicans | @TaxAct pic.twitter.com/c1mjehql7F – 9:38 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
DeMarcus Cousins is available and in uniform for Denver tonight but Michael Malone’s rolling with JaMychal Green in his spot off the bench. 10-man rotation with Green and Zeke Nnaji as the Nuggets’ backup bigs. – 9:37 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
First 12 are in the books pic.twitter.com/uDkKdPHH6c – 9:37 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones Hyland continues to show that his feel and vision (when he is not sped up) is beyond his years. As he contiues to adjust to the speed of play and keeping everyone in order, that feel and vision will become even more impactful when paired with his shooting. – 9:37 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of the 1st: Nuggets 29, Pelicans 27
Graham 6 pts (2-3 on 3s)
Hayes 6 pts
Jones 5 pts – 9:36 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Great pass by Bones Hyland to hit Austin Rivers for a corner three at the end of the quarter. Continues to demonstrate a really good feel for the position. – 9:35 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We got @Broncos new Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett and new Offensive Coordinator Justin Outten in the house!
We’re in good hands, Broncos fans🙌 pic.twitter.com/5V16ccjR9w – 9:34 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
reppin in Denver 🤩👋 pic.twitter.com/wwOse0CTOV – 9:33 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
Trey Murphy making an early appearance after 12 pts at Detroit on Tuesday – 9:31 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Brandon Ingram’s first 9 minutes tonight: 0-4 shooting, 2 points. Davon Reed has shut him down. – 9:29 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Will was hunting the highlight there on that fastbreak, going between the legs to Bones for a contested layup, and a 3-on-1 break turns into no points. – 9:28 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
A little déjà vu early in this one👀 pic.twitter.com/tGyMUJgLzB – 9:25 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Herb Jones 3-pointer.
Pelicans have made 3 of their first 5 deep ball attempts. – 9:25 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
James Johnson has already taken 8 shots. The Nets are just 4-for-19 from the field. Kyrie is 1-for-6. Jazz getting any kind of look they want. Brooklyn has the look of a team that is ready to get home. The problem is they still have the rest of this game — and another in Denver. – 9:23 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Jaxson Hayes’ putback looked way too smooth. That’s not an easy shot. But his touch is underrated good.
Man, if he could only put it together, sky is still the limit. – 9:21 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Will getting acrobatic to start us off😳 pic.twitter.com/YgJCkOzKjU – 9:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Denver’s getting killed on the offensive glass now. Can really feel the absence of Gordon and MPJ height wise. – 9:18 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
JAX THROW IT DOWN
📺: @BallySportsNO
📻: @ESPNRadioNOLA pic.twitter.com/4fyosYfTqE – 9:18 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
HERB START US OFF pic.twitter.com/1vUYfKVM9C – 9:13 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Herb Jones cut.
Herb Jones slam.
And that’s how we start this one. 👍 – 9:12 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
With Gordon out, Denver’s starting Monte Morris, Will Barton III, Davon Reed, Jeff Green and Nikola Jokic against New Orleans. Pelicans starting real big with Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Jaxson Hayes and Jonas Valanciunas with Devonte’ Graham. – 9:12 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Davon Reed is making his fourth career start tonight and will guard Brandon Ingram. Very cool. – 9:10 PM
Willy Hernangomez @willyhg94
Gonna have fun supporting my team watching the game with @adaniels33 & @JoelMeyersNBA 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 🏀 @New Orleans Pelicans – 9:04 PM
Willy Hernangomez @willyhg94
LET’S GO PELS!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 – 9:01 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Nikola Jokic in his last 5 games against the Pelicans:
33.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 9.6 apg, 63.1 FG%, 50 3PT%
Any guesses on what the key to tonight’s game will be? – 8:45 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Pretty sure the Nuggets tonight will have to choose between JaMychal Green and DeMarcus Cousins at the backup 5 tonight.
Pels are big with their starters but small with their bench. Not sure which direction Malone will choose to go, but I think he has to choose. – 8:42 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets starters vs. New Orleans
Monte Morris
Davon Reed
Will Barton
Jeff Green
Nikola Jokic – 8:41 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Porter Jr: 12-14 from 3-point range to end his workout. pic.twitter.com/MEOtIDPLqu – 8:41 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Nikola’s back, and Davon is in the starting lineup. Lets have a time, Denver🍿 pic.twitter.com/tzuFC1gqnJ – 8:37 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Starting 5 out in Denver 🖐️
#Pelicans | @Verizon pic.twitter.com/K9sghBr38t – 8:30 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Pregame show is live! Come join the show.
✅ Aaron Gordon OUT, Jokic and Boogie IN
✅ The Fan Vogt
✅ Harden-Simmons trade?
✅ Keys to tonight’s game
youtube.com/watch?v=5Dp_Lq… – 8:29 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters tonight:
Devonte’ Graham
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Jaxson Hayes
Jonas Valanciunas – 8:26 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Some of Jamal Murray’s pregame workout before Nuggets-Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/loBnPz8gzz – 8:24 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Lots of interesting lineup decisions for both the Nuggets and Pelicans tonight. Jonas Valanciunas and Jaxson Hayes have been starting together, and Ingram will of course start.
Denver’s without Aaron Gordon. I think they might start Davon Reed honestly lol – 8:24 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Aaron Gordon is OUT tonight.
Nikola Jokić and DeMarcus Cousins are ACTIVE. – 8:24 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Starters:
Devonte’ Graham
Brandon Ingram
Herb Jones
Jaxson Hayes
Jonas Valanciunas – 8:22 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon is out tonight vs. the Pelicans, I’m told. DeMarcus Cousins will play. – 8:18 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Us following along with the action tonight on our Pelicans mobile app presented by @Verizon like: 👇
Download it here to join in on the fun: https://t.co/2LbNOFOH9n pic.twitter.com/A1Ao2YjAhO – 8:15 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Casual Friday at @BallArenaDenver for @Denver Nuggets vs @New Orleans Pelicans. Get your gear at @AltitudeAuth and join @ChrisMarlowe and I on @AltitudeTV 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/JE8d6hAf7q – 8:08 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Pelicans’ Didi Louzada is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee today. – 8:04 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Here are two pictures of The Western Conference Player of the Month warming up 🏆 pic.twitter.com/C4WrswKmkK – 8:04 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
DeMarcus Cousins going through his warmup right now. Listed as questionable. – 7:57 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Make your Pelicans Pick N’ Roll predictions before halftime for a shot at a $200 team shop gift card courtesy of @CaesarsRewards !💰
Check it out on the home page of the Pelicans app: https://t.co/2LbNOG6ixX pic.twitter.com/kIsZbrRsbZ – 7:48 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
fly in the mile high ✈️
#UltraDrip | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/9jgQ43EXje – 7:43 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
MVP odds haven’t moved since the James Harden-to-Philly rumors flared up. Joel Embiid remains the favorite, but at the same +200 odds. Nikola Jokic close behind at +300. – 7:41 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
How about a little pre-game listening on the latest #Nuggets Ink podcast?
– The latest trade chatter
– Joker’s rising MVP case
– Inside the Jamal Murray story with Klay, Zach and Oladipo
– Best moments from the 6-game road trip
denverpost.com/2022/02/04/nug… – 7:36 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon (hamstring tightness) is questionable tonight. He’s a late addition to the injury report. – 7:35 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says the decision to hold Harden out tonight is precautionary — they want to give him another couple days to make sure his hamstring is feeling better. Nash does not believe Harden will need an MRI — and he’s hopeful he’ll play Sunday in Denver. – 7:35 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Josh Hart is out tonight. Expect to see more Jaxson Hayes at the 4 minutes, Willie Green said. – 7:35 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Josh Hart (left knee contusion) is out tonight against the Denver Nuggets, per Willie Green in pregame. – 7:35 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Josh Hart will be out for tonight’s game vs Denver, per Willie Green – 7:34 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Willie Green says Josh Hart is out so Jaxson Hayes will get some more minutes at the four.
Granted, Jaxson is also going to be the backup center tonight with Willy Hernangomez out. – 7:33 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Watch Live: Willie Green
#Pelicans | @Verizon twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 7:31 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone: DeMarcus Cousins is “questionable to probable” for tonight. – 7:28 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nuggets coach Michael Malone says Aaron Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins are questionable to play vs. New Orleans tonight. Nikola Jokic is good to go. – 7:19 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Silver lining of the Portland trade today for Charlotte, they got a lot worse and the Pelicans still have a chance to make the play in and if they win could make the playoffs and send their 22 1st round pick to Charlotte – 7:07 PM
New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA
Herbert Jones (@Herb Jones) was selected by NBA Legend @James Worthy for his Rising Stars squad 🙌 pic.twitter.com/2kLBysz8nh – 6:54 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
The NBA just announced the squad Herb Jones will be playing on in the Rising Stars Challenge pic.twitter.com/UPNn3rmlyR – 6:49 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Programming note. @kylefredrickson is holding it down for #Nuggets-Pelicans tonight for @denverpost. Give him a follow. – 6:03 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
🗣NEW @HardwoodKnocks
10 Questions Ahead of 2022 NBA Trade Deadline
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SUBSCRIBE
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MORE⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MIxVnOsEpN – 5:33 PM
New Orleans Pelicans PR @PelicansPR
The Pelicans have assigned forward Zylan Cheatham to the @GleagueSquadron. – 5:30 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Pelicans say they have signed forward Zylan Cheatham and guard Miye Oni to 10-day contracts via the COVID hardship exception. – 5:04 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zylan Cheatham and Miye Oni have been added to the Pelicans roster on 10-day contracts pic.twitter.com/2pxpb21v17 – 5:04 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The New Orleans Pelicans have signed Zylan Cheatham and Miye Oni to 10-day hardship contracts, the team announced. – 5:02 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Pelicans say they have added forward Zylan Cheatham and guard Miye Oni to 10-day contracts via the COVID hardship exception. – 5:02 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets are facing the Pelicans tonight. New Orleans will be without Zion of course, but also Willy Hernangomez, Garrett Temple, and Kira Lewis among others. Josh Hart is questionable.
Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas will play, matching up with Gordon and Jokić. – 4:48 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans have two weekend road games but then head home for six straight in @SmoothieKingCtr prior to All-Star break. Which home game are you most looking forward to seeing and why? #FanFriday – 4:27 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
This trade is a good illustration of how ownership motives and pressure can be a driving force in lopsided deals.
As the trade deadline approaches, keep an eye on the owners of the Kings (Vivek Ranadivé), Pelicans (Gayle Benson) and Lakers (LeBron James). – 4:25 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Included in @Adam Mares‘ List: The play I referenced on yesterday’s @DNVR_Nuggets show where a certain Nuggets role player gets mad at Nikola Jokic for a turnover that was actually his fault (not Jokic’s) because he didn’t finish his cut.
thednvr.com/the-list-craft… – 4:23 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
The Clippers’ pick being in the lottery still isn’t out of the question.
Unless they catch the Nuggets or Mavs, the Clippers have to beat KAT/Ant/DLo or LeBron/Russ/Davis to make the playoffs.
Clippers have the 4th toughest remaining schedule.
Pick most likely ends up 12-16. – 4:11 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Three Memphis Grizzlies games have been added to NBA TV.
3-11-22 Knicks at Grizzlies
4-1-22 Suns at Grizzlies
4-9-22 Pelicans at Grizzlies – 4:05 PM
