Los Angeles (AFP) - The Denver Nuggets defied a 50-point performance from New Orleans forward Anthony Davis to down the Pelicans 107-102 Wednesday in the NBA season-opener for both teams.
Davis connected on 17 of 34 shots from the field and 16 of 17 free throws. He also pulled down 16 rebounds, blocked four shots and had seven steals.
But his eighth career game of 40 points or more -- nine short of his career high of 50 -- wasn't enough.
Denver's Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic produced 23 points and nine rebounds and Will Barton added 22 points as the Nuggets overcame not just Anthony but their own 25 turnovers.