JOKIĆ CRITICISES FANS AFTER NUGGETS BEAT PELICANS

Nikola Jokić criticised Denver Nuggets supporters who booed the team during its 141-135 overtime win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. Sections of the home crowd jeered at Ball Arena as Denver trailed 73-57 at half-time. New Orleans led by as many as 23 points before the Nuggets completed their comeback. “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. He said the team had recovered from larger deficits before.

Jokić finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, including eight points in overtime, according to the game figures. He recorded his 199th regular-season triple-double, behind Russell Westbrook’s 209. Jamal Murray scored 42 points, while Trevon Brazille added 17, including seven in overtime during his Denver home debut. Brazille’s corner three-pointer put Denver 133-129 ahead with 1:25 remaining in overtime. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 26 points; Dejounte Murray scored 22, and Derik Queen and Zion Williamson added 17 each.

Denver played without Cam Johnson, who had an ankle injury, and Alpha Diallo, who had a sprained wrist. Julian Strawther and Spencer Jones also remained out. New Orleans shot 65.9% in the first half, according to the game figures, and led by 19 entering the fourth quarter. Three-pointers from Murray and Jokić and a reverse dunk from Aaron Gordon helped Denver close the gap before Murray tied the game with two free throws. Denver moved to 1-1 after losing its opener to the Oklahoma City Thunder, while New Orleans fell to 0-3 under first-year coach Jamahl Mosley.