The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 107-88, at Ball Arena on Thursday.

Denver had to play this game without Nikola Jokic (calf), allowing New Orleans to cruise to an easy win. They won all four individual quarters in this game, maintaining the lead for all but two minutes. They got their lead up to 19 points at times and led by at least nine points for the entirety of the second half. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field, 48 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line, while the Nuggets shot 41 percent from the field, 14 percent from long range (4-of-28) and 63 percent from the charity stripe.

The Pelicans (39-38) got a rare triple-double from Brandon Ingram, finishing with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. CJ McCollum collected 23 points and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas amassed 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Trey Murphy totaled 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Nuggets (51-25) were led by Jamal Murray, amassing 21 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Bruce Brown led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Aaron Gordon accrued 11 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Michael Porter Jr provided 10 points and three boards.

Denver has to play again on Friday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for New Orleans, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.