Valanciunas Sparks Denver’s Bench; Jordan Returns With Pelicans; Jokic Ties Triple-Double Record; Murray Questionable for Friday
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The Denver Nuggets are encouraged by new reserve center Jonas Valanciunas after his strong start to the 2025/26 campaign. In Wednesday night’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach David Adelman sat Nikola Jokic for nearly eight and a half minutes in the second quarter, and Denver widened its lead during that span.
“To have different guys and have different energy, I like that,” Jokic said. “(Valanciunas) is definitely a threat down low. The guy can score, and he’s big and dominant down there. He’s getting people to collapse on him, and he’s a really good passer.”
Valanciunas finished the night with 10 points, six rebounds and three assists in 14 minutes. Forward Aaron Gordon also praised the Lithuanian veteran, calling him “certified” and noting that the second unit can run its offense through him when needed.
Jordan Faces Former Club
Just five days after signing a guaranteed minimum-salary deal with New Orleans, 37-year-old center DeAndre Jordan squared off against the Nuggets, the team he spent the past three seasons with and won a title alongside in 2023. “Definitely some emotions for sure,” Jordan said before the game, adding that he owed “a lot to Denver.” Adelman lauded Jordan’s locker-room influence, describing him as an “all-time vet.”
Jokic Matches Historic Start
Jokic registered 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on Wednesday, marking his fourth straight triple-double to open the season and tying an NBA record.
Murray’s Status Up in the Air
Guard Jamal Murray, who has enjoyed a strong start to the year, is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against Portland with left calf tightness. Forward Cameron Johnson (right shoulder inflammation) is probable.
Source: Hoops Rumors
