Nikola Jokic, center for the Denver Nuggets, issued a public statement following his team’s 141-135 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. The win marked Denver’s first of the season, improving their record to 1-1 after a season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokic’s statement on fan behavior
During a postgame press conference, Jokic addressed reports of fans booing the Nuggets during their home opener. He stated, “We got booed at our first home game, and I think those fans who booed us, they don’t need to come anymore. If you guys follow us, you know that we never quit. If they ask me, they are not welcome anymore.” The comment followed Denver’s 75-57 halftime deficit, from which the team rallied to secure the win.
Game details and key performances
The Nuggets trailed by as many as 23 points in the second quarter before mounting a comeback. Jokic finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray led all scorers with 42 points. Trevon Brazile contributed 17 points, and Christian Braun added 15. The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson, were outscored 34-14 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Denver shot 48% from the field and committed 12 turnovers, while New Orleans capitalized with 15 points off Nuggets miscues. Attendance at Ball Arena was reported at 19,905.
Team context and season outlook
The Nuggets, who finished 54-28 last season and won the 2023 NBA Finals, are now 1-1 to start the 2024-25 campaign. Their season-opener loss to Oklahoma City marked their first defeat in a home opener since 2020. Despite the slow start, Denver remains among the top 10 teams in preseason championship odds, per sportsbooks.
The Pelicans, who were not predicted to be Western Conference contenders, fell to 0-2 with the loss. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 28 points, while Brandon Ingram added 22.