Croatian NBA Star Zubac Notches Double-Double in Mexico City

In the NBA's Mexico City Game, Croatian centre Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double for the Indiana Pacers, but his team fell 114-102 to the Denver Nuggets.

Zubac finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in just 19 minutes of action. He shot 4-of-5 from the field and made both of his free throws, providing a strong presence in the paint for Indiana. Despite his efficient night, the Pacers couldn't overcome a slow start.

Denver was led by Serbian star Nikola Jokić, who tallied 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Jokić scored 10 points in the opening quarter to set the tone, and the Nuggets used a 15-0 run in the second period to build a commanding lead. During that stretch, Indiana went scoreless for four minutes. Jamal Murray's jump shot extended Denver's advantage to 64-37 just before halftime.

The Pacers showed fight in the second half. Aaron Nesmith hit consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to 79-67, and Quenton Jackson's layup in the final minute of the third quarter made it a ten-point game. Indiana kept pushing, and Jarace Walker's three-pointer with 7:26 remaining brought the Pacers within seven at 102-95. However, Denver responded with six unanswered points to regain control and secure the win.

Indiana played without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the trip due to a hamstring strain. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 23 points, and Larry Nance Jr. added 15 off the bench. For Denver, Cameron Johnson contributed 18 points and Murray finished with 16.

With the victory, the Nuggets have won four of their last five games, while the Pacers have dropped five of their last six.