Denver’s starters set the tone, but its supporting cast built the wall that Indiana could not climb. The Nuggets arrived at 4-3 looking for a steadier start to their season, and they left with a 114-102 win over the Pacers. Nikola Jokic controlled the action with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, while Denver’s ball security made a huge difference: just three turnovers all game.

Indiana, entering at 3-6 and still playing without Tyrese Haliburton, struck first. Pascal Siakam buried a running three-pointer, and Ivica Zubac followed with a layup for a 5-0 lead. Then Denver’s passing game woke up. Jokic found Aaron Gordon for an alley-oop dunk, Christian Braun jumped a pass for a steal, and Cameron Johnson finished the break. Jokic scored twice inside before feeding Braun and watching Jamal Murray drive for a layup. Suddenly, Denver led 12-7.

The Nuggets kept adding to that early push. Johnson stole a pass and raced in for a dunk, while Jokic’s passing created easy looks around the floor. Denver finished the first quarter ahead 27-19. The Pacers had chances to stay close, but the Nuggets owned the rebounding battle 51-45 and turned extra possessions into points.

The second quarter became the game’s biggest turning point. Denver’s reserve group exploded. A Denver forward hit three three-pointers and scored 13 points without missing a shot. DeMar DeRozan calmly made midrange jumpers and handed out five assists. Marvin Bagley III added 10 points in only 11 minutes. When Murray drilled a step-back three, Denver’s lead had stretched to 57-34. The Nuggets reached halftime ahead 64-41, and their 37-point quarter gave Indiana a mountain to climb.

Siakam refused to let the Pacers fade away. He scored 23 points without a turnover and helped Indiana open the second half with more purpose. Zubac worked hard inside for 10 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Indiana cut the gap from 26 points to 16 when Larry Nance Jr. hit three three-pointers in the third quarter, including two in a quick burst. Aaron Nesmith then connected from deep as the Pacers pulled within 79-67.

But every Indiana run met a Denver answer. Jokic made a three-pointer and later scored on back-to-back drives. Murray and Jokic connected again for a reverse layup, putting Denver up 88-73 after three quarters.

Indiana kept charging in the fourth. Siakam scored on drives, and Jarace Walker’s layup pulled the Pacers within 99-90. Murray answered with a deep step-back three, then later scored and made two free throws to help close the door. Denver’s patience and clean passing held firm.

The Nuggets improved to 5-3 and will next face Houston, carrying proof that their whole lineup can deliver. Indiana fell to 3-7 and heads to Dallas knowing its third-quarter fight showed real spirit, but stronger starts and fewer missed chances must power the next chapter.

Denver’s Deep Lineup Builds a 23-Point Wall in Indiana