Nikola Jokic had 27 points and 12 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-106 on Friday night.

Zion Williamson scored 15 points in about 21 minutes for New Orleans. The Pelicans dropped to 0-2 since the NBA's top overall draft choice was activated for the first time this season two nights earlier.

Michael Porter Jr. and Torrey Craig each had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Denver. Denver head season highs of 24 offensive rebounds and 35 second-chance points.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone was ejected early in the second half.