We’ll learn, clean some things up tomorrow, and get ready for Golden State on Friday.” “Tough way to start the season,” Malone lamented, “but we’ll watch film. Denver ran out of gas in the team’s first extended minutes of the year, and they ultimately fell off at the end. The Nuggets pulled within seven of the Jazz midway through the fourth quarter, but back-to-back threes from the Jazz stopped the run in its tracks. Strong performances by Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon along with improved defense helped shrink the seemingly insurmountable lead back to size. In the second half, the Nuggets certainly fought back. “Make a mistake, miss a shot, I don’t care. “Hopefully for our guys, the message is simple: play harder,” stated Malone. Rather than improve on that mark, the Nuggets somehow regressed, giving up 38 points to a flurry of three-pointers, second chance points, and points in transition after turnovers. Then, just about everything went downhill.Ī poor defensive run to end the first quarter allowed the Jazz to put up 37 points in the first quarter. Aaron Gordon kicked off the game with a stylish dunk. Coupling that with a strong drive in transition, Murray showed Nuggets fans exactly what they had been missing: dynamic, off-the-dribble scoring.
Murray began his evening in style, shaking Mike Conley for a step back mid-range jumper that invoked images of the Murray of old. Malone knows this, and it’s why he’s not as stressed about this one. after extended absences, and both players returning and playing extended minutes was far more important than any loss. The Nuggets welcomed back Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Unfortunately, the Jazz had seven players reach double figures, including 68 combined points from the bench unit.Īll losses require a bit of perspective and context, perhaps this one most of all. Aaron Gordon was the second leading scorer as well with 22 points. He was the leading scorer for either team. Nikola Jokić finished the game with 27 points on 12-of-17 from the field, adding six assists and four rebounds. “Tough way to open the season,” head coach Michael Malone admitted. The Jazz won the season opener 123-102, showing that the Nuggets clearly have a long way to go to reach their desired goals. Lauri Markkanen did just about everything. Collin Sexton showcased his aggression and quickness on drives to the basket. Malik Beasley canned three pointers and danced in front of the Nuggets bench. SALT LAKE CITY – In what was meant to be a celebration of returns for the Denver Nuggets, the Utah Jazz played spoiler.
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