The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 115-110, in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.

The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a, 36-28, lead after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and pushed their lead to 16, by halftime. The Nuggets brought a better effort in the third and trimmed it back to a nine-point deficit entering the final quarter. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Pelicans came up clutch to stay a step ahead and close out their second straight win.

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 33 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block, while Brandon Ingram tallied 21 points, three rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 12-for-23 from long range.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists and a block, in 36 minutes. Christian Braun followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 49.0 percent from the field, including 10-for-40 from deep.

The Nuggets (9-3) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. The Pelicans (6-6) play host to the Timberwolves on Saturday.