New Orleans may stink, but Nikola Jokic sees a vision with Derrick Quinn

Derrick Queen has received praise from Nikola Jokic after his performance in New Orleans The Pelicans lost 125-118 to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday evening.

In 30 minutes of action, Quinn shined with statistics of 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. He shot 12-of-18 from the field, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc and 5-of-8 from the free throw line.

Jokic reflected on facing the rookie center after the game, according to reporter Vic Lombardi. He praised the Queen’s game for being efficient at the rim and having moves that can allow him to produce on the court.

“He has some moves… He’s unorthodox. Great touch around the rim, feel for the game. It’s nice to see someone different,” Jokic said.

“Does it remind you of you?” asked the reporter.

“I see, yes,” answered Jokic.

The media spoke to Queen about his performance after the competition as well. They asked him about his interactions with Jokić, to which the rookie center had a humorous response.

“Did you (and Nikola Jokic) talk on the field?” asked one report.

“I tried to say something to him, but he didn’t say anything,” Quinn said.

“Did you (and Nikola Jokic) talk on the field?”

Derrick Quinn: “I tried to tell him something but he didn’t say anything. 😅pic.twitter.com/s739eh4Sdm

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 20, 2025

As Derrick Quinn, the Pelicans played against the Nuggets

Nikola Jokic certainly respects Derrick Quinn after their first match. However, Jokic and the Nuggets had the last laugh as they emerged victorious over the Pelicans.

New Orleans got off to a good start as the team led 30-26 after the first quarter. However, Denver responded by outscoring the hosts 71-53 in the second and third periods, which proved to be fatal blows to the Pelicans’ chances of victory.

Perimeter shooting and ball movement made the difference in this matchup. The Nuggets won in both categories, making 11 3-pointers with 35 assists. It was not the same with the Pelicans, who made only seven three-pointers and dished out 25 assists.

Four players scored in double figures for New Orleans in the loss, including Quinn. Trey Murphy III had a solid performance of 23 points, five steals, three assists, two rebounds and a block. He shot 7-of-14 overall, including 5-of-12 from downtown and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. It’s Jeremiah Firs’ turn with 16 points and three rebounds, while Zion Williamson scored 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.

New Orleans fell to a 2-13 record on the season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They trail the Sacramento Kings by one game and the Dallas Mavericks by 1.5 games.

The Pelicans will look to bounce back in their next game as they are on the road. They face the Mavericks for another NBA Cup group stage contest on November 21st at 8:30pm ET.