Nuggets (9-6), Pelicans (8-8)
DENVER – It started poorly Friday with a 27-point first-quarter deficit. From a big-picture standpoint, it got worse later for New Orleans, when Anthony Davis was inadvertently struck in the head on an offensive foul by Nikola Jokic, resulting in a Davis concussion. The four-time All-Star left the game in the third quarter and did not return, leading to the Nuggets breaking open what had become a relatively competitive game.
After taking a 64-56 advantage into halftime, Denver outscored New Orleans 42-24 in the third quarter, piling up a total of 106 points through 36 minutes.