Nikola Jokic's 23rd triple-double of the season leads Nuggets over Pelicans 125-113

DENVER (AP) — Michael Porter Jr. scored a season-high 36 points, Nikola Jokic added 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Denver Nuggets overcame a career-high 41 points from Trey Murphy III to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 125-113 on Monday night.

Jamal Murray had 20 points and eight assists while Julian Strawther scored 15 points off the bench for Denver. In his first start of the season, Zeke Nnaji, filling in for the injured Aaron Gordon, had a season-high 12 points.

The triple-double was Jokic’s NBA-best 23rd of the season and ninth in his past 11 games.

Murphy scored 39 of New Orleans’ first 85 points, helping the Pelicans, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the second half, get within eight entering the fourth quarter. Murphy made 13 of his 21 shots, including eight of his 12 3s, while the rest of his team shot just 37.3% from the field.

CJ McCollum scored 30 points and Zion Williamson added 14 for the Pelicans.

Nuggets: Denver continued its rebound from a three-game losing streak, picking up its third consecutive victory and 11th win in its past 15 games to remain in fourth place in the Western Conference.

Pelicans: After a season-high four-game win streak offered some signs of hope, New Orleans had its sixth consecutive loss in an injury plagued season.

After a Murphy 3 tied the game at 21 in the first quarter, the Nuggets went on a 14-2 run and led for the rest of the night, with the Pelicans never getting closer than six.

With his career performance Monday, Murphy has averaged 37.7 points in his past three games while shooting 70.7% from the field and 63.6% from 3.

The Nuggets and Pelicans will have a rematch on Wednesday in Denver.

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Denver Nuggets forward Hunter Tyson (5) reaches for the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guards Jordan Hawkins (24) and Trey Murphy III (25) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, dodges New Orleans Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic, left, to pick up the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic argues for a call in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson heads (1) to the bench in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, right, drives to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, drives to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, right, defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., center, drives to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans guards Javonte Green, left, and Trey Murphy III, right, defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros hired St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as general manager Friday.

Flores replaces Dana Brown, who was let go in August with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. The Astros also need to hire a manager this offseason — Joe Espada's contract was not renewed after the AL West champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in their Wild Card Series.

The 51-year-old Flores becomes the 15th general manager in franchise history. He had been serving as St. Louis' assistant general manager of amateur and pro acquisition.

The former major league pitcher joined the Cardinals' front office as director of scouting in 2015 and spent eight seasons (2019-26) as an assistant GM with the club.

"Randy has had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “Throughout the entire interview process we’ve been thoroughly impressed with Randy and his background in scouting and player acquisition. We’re happy to welcome Randy and his family to the Astros and we can’t wait to get to work on bringing another championship to Houston.”

Flores will be formally introduced by the Astros in a news conference Monday morning at Daikin Park.

“I am excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity,” Flores said. “The Astros have a long winning tradition under Jim Crane and I look forward to contributing to the success. I want to thank the Cardinals organization for the opportunities and support that made this next chapter possible. My family and I are excited to make Houston home.”

The Astros cut ties with Brown on Aug. 24. Three assistant general managers and Hall of Famer and special adviser Jeff Bagwell took over his responsibilities for the remainder of the season while Crane sought a replacement.

Houston went 81-81 to win the AL West for the fifth time in six years, becoming the first big league club without a winning record to reach the playoffs in a non-shortened season.

Flores pitched in the majors for eight seasons from 2002-10, going 11-5 with a 4.61 ERA and four saves. The left-hander made 347 relief appearances and three starts for Texas, Colorado, St. Louis and Minnesota.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

FILE - Houston Astros owner Jim Crane speaks during a press conference in Houston, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)