National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets Undefeated: Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:40 p.m. ET

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Mar 31, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hamilton (25) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets kicked off their season against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 26, 2016. This game was a thriller from the beginning and could come back into play in April as both teams could vie for a playoff spot.

First Quarter:

The Denver Nuggets started this game slow, but they quickly sped as the quarter continued. The Denver Nuggets ended up being on top at the end of the first quarter.

Although they were winning, their dismal start proved that they still have several aspects of their game to work on. The Nuggets shot 10-18 in the first quarter and continued to dominate the boards, being +4 after one.

The Nuggets turnovers problem has also been a factor early as Jokic and Mudiay have combined for all five turnovers.

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They have played exceptional defense though, but they, like most teams, have not found a way to shut down Anthony Davis as he erupted for 16 points to lead all scores. While Denver did not put anyone in double-figures in the first, they did five players score over four points with Nurkic leading the way with nine points.

Emmanuel Mudiay with the absolutely gorgeous drive in transition https://t.co/RZU4JB3SOx

— BSN Nuggets (@BSNNuggets) October 27, 2016

The big takeaway from the first quarter is that the Nuggets shot 12 free throws while the Pelicans shot a mere 2.

Score after one: Nuggets 30 – Pelicans 24

Mar 31, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Second Quarter:

The Nuggets went into the second quarter with a six point lead against the mediocre Pelicans. The only major concern for the Nuggets, Anthony Davis, and in the first half, he proved just that. Davis has 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals in just 20 minutes of action.

On the Nuggets side of things, J. Nurkić has 15 points and 5 boards and is proving to be a force on the inside. The Nuggets are 15-11 when Danilo Gallinari scores 20 points or more and he has 10 in the first half, let’s just hope that keeps up.

DenverNuggets60

The Nuggets are going to have to come out firing in the third to keep the 12 point lead that they have at half and are also going to need to find a way to at least slow the roll of big man Anthony Davis. The Pelicans are going to need to contain Nugget big man Nurkić in order to try and mount a comeback on a Nugget team who is proving they are here to stay.

Halftime score: Nuggets 60 – Pelicans 48

Oct 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Third Quarter.

The Pelicans forced Mudiay in the third quarter to beat them with his jump shot. Nurkić totaled 9/13 for 23 points and 9 rebounds with just under 5:00 minutes in the third which is a career-high for Jusuf. Denver is shooting 50% from beyond the arc.

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Anthony Davis continues to be the problem for the Nuggets as he has a double double 40 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans has 6 turnovers compared to the Nuggets 18. They are up on Denver by 21 rebounds.

The Pelicans outscored the Nuggets 29-25 in the third quarter, but still hold on to an eight point lead.

Score after three: Nuggets 85 – Pelicans 77

Oct 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is fouled by New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth Quarter.

Have yourself a game Anthony Davis (50 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 7 steals). As the announcer would say, “And they double teamed Davis… and he scores anyway.” Thats exactly how the game went for the Denver Nuggets tonight. Although they came away with the 5-point win, they seemed to have no answer for Anthony Davis. They did exactly what they did all preseason, found a way to win with second chance points.

The Nuggets again appear to have a turnover problem with 24 just tonight, and it seems to stem from the maturity level of Mudiay. Mudiay averaged 2.5+ TO per game last season, which in the league is horrible. Once he matures a little and takes care of that problem and learns to shoot a jump shot, the Nuggets will be a force to be reckoned with.

FINAL SCORE:

VS.

	1	2	3	4	T
Nuggets	30	30	25	22	107
Pelicans	24	24	29	25	102

This was a great game between two teams that even in the first game of the season know that they are fighting each other for that last spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

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