Jokic, Malone Sit out: Nuggets Fall to Pelicans 101-94

Nikola Jokic and coach Michael Malone missed the Denver Nuggets’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans last night due to personal reasons. Jokic’s absence was due to personal issues at home, while Malone stayed behind to watch his daughter Bridget compete in a high school volleyball playoff match.

Lead assistant David Adelman took over as coach for the night, and when asked about Jokic’s return, he said it’s up to Jokic to decide when he’s ready to come back. The Nuggets were already without forward Aaron Gordon, who’s out for multiple weeks with a calf injury.

The Pelicans ultimately took the win, 101-94. Despite Jokic’s impressive recent performance, including four consecutive triple-doubles and a 37-point, 18-rebound, 15-assist game against Dallas on Sunday, the Nuggets couldn’t pull off the victory without their star player.