Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets faced a 16-hour flight delay in Mexico City after mechanical problems disrupted their trip to Houston. The travel problems came shortly after Denver’s 114-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, November 7.
The Nuggets were scheduled to leave Mexico City immediately after their NBA game. However, technical issues with their charter plane forced the players and coaching staff to spend an unexpected night in the Mexican capital.
The team eventually reached Houston on Sunday evening, leaving little time to recover before Monday’s game against the Rockets.
Mechanical Problems Force Nuggets to Spend Night in Mexico
According to Altitude Sports reporter Katy Winge, Denver’s traveling party arrived at the airport around 9 p.m. Saturday.
The team soon learned that the aircraft needed a replacement part. The necessary component arrived around 1 a.m., and technicians completed the repair shortly after 2 a.m.
However, another problem emerged when the aircraft door failed to close properly.
The players had already boarded the plane, but the crew could not proceed with departure. As a result, the team returned to its hotel around 5 a.m. Sunday.
Denver’s players and staff headed back to the airport later that afternoon.
The aircraft finally departed Mexico City shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday and landed in Houston at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The unexpected delay disrupted the team’s recovery schedule ahead of another important NBA matchup.
Jokic and Denver Starters Questionable Against Houston Rockets
The travel problems came at a difficult time for Denver, which is preparing to face the Houston Rockets on Monday, November 9.
All five Nuggets starters were listed as questionable for the game, according to the team’s injury report.
Jokic appeared on the report with a right elbow sprain, while Jamal Murray was managing a left shin contusion.
Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun were also listed with physical concerns. Veteran DeMar DeRozan was another player whose availability remained uncertain.
The injury report does not establish that the flight delay caused these conditions. However, the unexpected overnight stay reduced the team’s preparation and recovery time.
Before the travel disruption, Jokic had delivered another strong performance in Mexico City.
The Serbian center recorded 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists as Denver defeated Indiana 114-102.
Cameron Johnson contributed 18 points, while Murray added 16 points and eight assists.
The victory improved Denver’s record to 5-3 and marked its fourth win in five games.
Now, the Nuggets must turn their attention to Houston after an unusually complicated journey.
For Jokic, the immediate question is whether his elbow condition will allow him to play against the Rockets.
Denver’s final lineup will become clearer closer to tipoff.
