Instant Analysis: Nuggets Overcome Pacers Thanks To Balanced Team Effort

The Denver Nuggets showcased their depth and efficiency Monday night, securing a 125-116 win over the Indiana Pacers behind a career-best 19 assists from Nikola Jokic. The reigning three-time MVP flirted with a triple-double, adding 18 points and nine rebounds to his playmaking masterpiece. 

Aaron Gordon led Denver’s scoring effort with 25 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Christian Braun stepped up with 17 points, and Jamal Murray chipped in 16 as the Nuggets rebounded from their recent loss to the Lakers.

Indiana was paced by Myles Turner’s 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 15 assists. Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith each added 19 and 17 points, respectively, but the Pacers struggled to contain Denver’s interior dominance.

The Nuggets shot an impressive 56% from the field and outworked Indiana on the glass with a 46-32 rebounding advantage. They also controlled the paint, outscoring the Pacers 74-46 inside. Despite Indiana trimming the deficit to a single point late in the second quarter, Denver responded with a quick 6-0 burst to maintain control.

When the Pacers made a late push in the fourth, cutting the deficit to seven, Gordon drained a mid-range jumper before Braun finished an alley-oop from Jokic to put the game out of reach. Denver’s ability to execute in key moments and capitalize inside proved to be the difference, snapping Indiana’s three-game winning streak while bouncing back from their own recent defeat.

 Jokic’s Playmaking Elevates Denver’s Offense

Nikola Jokic has proven time and again that he is more than just a scorer—he is the catalyst that makes Denver’s offense hum. Against the Pacers, he delivered one of the best passing performances of his career, dishing out a career-high 19 assists. 

His ability to read the defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates was on full display, as Denver finished with 39 assists on 53 made field goals. Jokic’s passing allowed the Nuggets to maintain an offensive flow, ensuring that multiple players remained engaged and effective throughout the game.

A key aspect of Jokic’s playmaking was how he took advantage of Indiana’s defensive scheme. The Pacers struggled to contain his high-post facilitation, often sending help defenders his way, which only opened up easy buckets for teammates like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. 

His court vision was particularly evident in transition, where he found cutters and spot-up shooters for high-percentage looks. Denver shot 56.4% from the field, in large part due to Jokic’s ability to generate quality shots rather than settling for difficult ones.

While he finished just one rebound shy of a triple-double, his passing alone was enough to dismantle Indiana’s defense. His impact was undeniable, as Denver’s ball movement consistently outclassed the Pacers, leading to a decisive offensive advantage.

Dominating the Paint Proved to Be the Difference

Denver’s ability to control the interior was a major factor in their win, as they outscored Indiana 74-46 in the paint. The combination of Jokic, Gordon, and Porter Jr. overwhelmed the Pacers’ frontcourt, leading to high-efficiency scoring opportunities. 

The Nuggets took full advantage of their size and physicality, attacking the basket with ease while limiting Indiana’s ability to generate interior offense. This dominance down low forced the Pacers to rely heavily on three-point shooting, where they struggled at just 32.6% (14-of-43).

Rebounding also played a crucial role in Denver’s success. The Nuggets grabbed 46 total boards compared to Indiana’s 32, including a 14-8 edge in offensive rebounds. By securing second-chance opportunities, Denver was able to extend possessions and generate extra points, further tilting the game in their favor. 

Porter Jr. and Gordon were particularly active on the glass, combining for 17 rebounds, while Jokic continued to be a force in boxing out and facilitating transition play. Indiana’s inability to establish a presence in the paint was evident in their shot selection. 

While the Pacers relied on perimeter looks, Denver consistently found ways to get high-percentage shots at the rim. Even when Indiana cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets responded by going back to their bread and butter—attacking inside. 

Balanced Scoring and Depth Helped Denver Rebound from Loss

One of Denver’s biggest strengths this season has been its depth, and that was evident once again in this matchup. Five different players scored in double figures, with Gordon leading the way at 25 points, followed by Porter Jr. with 19. Braun, Murray, and Jokic also contributed significantly, showcasing the versatility of Denver’s offensive attack. 

This balance ensured that even when the Pacers focused their defensive attention on Jokic, the Nuggets had multiple scoring options to keep the offense flowing. Denver’s ability to spread the scoring load was crucial in bouncing back from their loss to the Lakers. Against Los Angeles, the Nuggets struggled with efficiency and relied too heavily on Jokic to create offense. 

This time, they made a concerted effort to involve everyone, leading to a 56.4% shooting night as a team. The 39 total assists underscored their commitment to ball movement, making it difficult for Indiana to key in on any one player. Additionally, Denver’s depth helped counteract the 20 turnovers they committed, as their efficiency in other areas kept the Pacers from fully capitalizing.