Jones' big 4th quarter carries Pelicans over Nuggets 113-105

Updated Feb. 4, 2022 11:36 p.m. ET

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DENVER (AP) — Herbert Jones scored 18 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, Brandon Ingram had 23 points and 12 assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans sent the Denver Nuggets to their third straight loss, 113-105 on Friday night.

Jaxson Hayes added 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Pelicans shot 56% from the field in their second straight win while beating Denver for the first time in three tries this season.

Denver's Nikola Jokic returned after a one-game absence with a sore toe and had 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, but was limited to 10 shots while being frustrated by constant double teams. Monte Morris scored 19 points and Will Barton had 17 for Denver, which lost in it first game following a 4-2 road trip.

Both teams were missing key players. Denver’s Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and New Orleans’ Josh Hart (knee) each sat out a second straight game.

The Pelicans met little resistance defensively and took control behind Jones.

Jokic committed his fourth turnover, and that led to a Jones layup that put New Orleans ahead to stay with 4:41 left.

Jones later stole the ball from Davon Reed, starting in place of Gordon, and dunked to make it 103-97 with 3:32 left. The Pelicans were never threatened again, in part thanks to 19-for-41 shooting from 3-point range.

TIP-INS

Pelicans: Reserves Garrett Temple and Willy Hernangomez (COVID-19 protocols) were unavailable. … F Zylan Cheatham and G Miye Oni signed 10-day contracts via the COVID-19 hardship exception. Cheatham was assigned to Birmingham of the G League. ... G Didi Louzada (knee)

Nuggets: C DeMarcus Cousins (foot) was active but didn't play. His 10-day contract expires after Sunday’s game against Brooklyn. ... New Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett was cheered as he enthusiastically banged the Nuggets drum before the start of the second half.

ZION SILENCE

When the Pelicans

But Williamson’s progress remains unknown, even as the Pelicans have been mentioned in reports as wanting to acquire a scoring guard ahead of Thursday's trade deadline to pair with Williamson.

“If something becomes real or serious, it’s something we need to talk about,” coach Willie Green said of the trade discussions.

NUGGETS DEALING?

Coach Michael Malone said the injuries to Jamal Murray (knee surgery) and Michael Porter Jr. (back surgery) will be factored into any possible Denver trades.

“I don’t know when Jamal and Michael are coming back, whether it’s this season or next year. But what I do know is next season and they’re healthy, we’re a completely different team,” Malone said. “So any moves that you potentially make, have to have that in mind.”

UP NEXT

Pelicans: Conclude their four-game trip Sunday night at Houston.

Nuggets: Host Brooklyn on Sunday seeking to complete a season sweep.

___

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Herbert Jones

New Orleans Pelicans

National Basketball Association

Miye Oni

DeMarcus Cousins

Monté Morris

Jaxson Hayes

Davon Reed

Zylan Cheatham

Will Barton

Brandon Ingram

Zion Williamson

Jamal Murray

Josh Hart

Garrett Temple

Nikola Jokic

Michael Porter Jr.

Aaron Gordon

New Orleans Pelicans

Denver Nuggets