New Orleans Pelicans lose to Nuggets 122-116, Trey Murphy drops 31

Trey Murphy’s 31-point performance couldn’t save the Pelicans in last night’s heartbreaker against the Denver Nuggets. The New Orleans Pelicans fell just 6 points short, 122-116, as late-game heroics from Denver spoiled another dominant scoring night. Here’s what happened in this divisional battle.

Trey Murphy Explodes for 31 Points in First Half Dominance

Murphy powered the Pelicans in the opening 24 minutes with an incredible 22-point first half, leaving Denver scrambling defensively. The 25-year-old forward controlled the paint and perimeter, showcasing improved offensive consistency. New Orleans held the halftime lead thanks entirely to Murphy’s aggressive play, combining dunks, three-pointers, and clutch mid-range shots.

The Pelicans forward finished with 31 total points, capping off a recent stretch where he’s averaged over 31 points per game across his last four games. His continued improvement in offensive execution marks a breakthrough season for the fourth-year pro from Memphis.

Denver’s Fourth Quarter Firepower Dooms New Orleans

The Nuggets pulled away late with devastating shooting in the critical fourth quarter. Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson each hit difficult off-balance jumpers in the final minute, keeping Denver ahead down the stretch. Aaron Gordon added an open dunk with just 10 seconds remaining, essentially sealing victory for the visitors.

Denver’s late-game execution proved decisive after three quarters of tight basketball. The Nuggets shot 5 for 11 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter alone, while New Orleans managed just 2 for 4 in the same period, turning a winnable game into a loss.

Game Statistics and Key Performance Indicators

Metric	New Orleans	Denver
Final Score	116	122
Rebounds	50	33
Top Scorer	Trey Murphy (31 pts)	TBA
Lead at Halftime	Yes	No

Derik Queen contributed with 10 points and 13 rebounds, adding five assists to help the Pelicans dominate the glass. The rebounding advantage of 50-33 showed New Orleans applied physicality, yet Denver’s superior scoring consistency prevailed in the clutch.

“A pair of high-degree-of-difficulty buckets by Denver in the final minute-plus allowed the Nuggets to hold off New Orleans, with Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson each nailing an off-balance jumper.”

— NBA.com, Official Postgame Report

What This Loss Means for the New Orleans Pelicans Season Outlook

The Pelicans fall to 9-33 after this defeat, sinking deeper into the Western Conference basement. New Orleans ranks 15th in the West and 5th in the Southwest Division, with the season looking increasingly challenging. Despite Murphy’s breakout performances, the team’s inconsistent defense and fourth-quarter execution continue plaguing their chances.

Next for the Pelicans comes a Wednesday home game against the Brooklyn Nets, marking their third back-to-back since Christmas. With 40 games remaining, New Orleans needs to find consistency beyond individual stellar performances like Murphy’s 31-point night.

Can the Nuggets’ Dominance Over New Orleans Continue in Remaining Matchups?

Denver completed a perfect 3-0 season sweep against New Orleans, with no additional matchups scheduled between the teams for the remainder of 2025-26. The Nuggets improved to 27-13, sitting comfortably in third place in the Western Conference standings.

The Denver sweep demonstrates their superiority in late-game situations and efficient shooting under pressure. Coach Willie Green’s Pelicans must focus on New Orleans’ March 18-19 season series against the Clippers, adjusting strategies that clearly haven’t worked against elite teams like Denver this season.

Sources

• NBA.com – Official postgame wrap covering Nuggets 122, Pelicans 116 final score
• ESPN – Live score coverage and game statistics from January 13, 2026
• Basketball Reference – 2025-26 season records and standings data