Denver Nuggets Lose To Utah Jazz 103-93
Dec 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) guards Denver Nuggets shooting guard Wilson Chandler (21) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Jazz won 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Jazz came into Denver as underdogs and beat the Nuggets 103-93. In a way, I kind of saw the close game but didn’t expect the loss. The Nuggets were coming off of a long road trip, so that could have been a factor. However, the Jazz deserve some credit for the win since they came into Denver and scored over 100 points.
Denver Nuggets star point-guard Ty Lawson returned to action but was a non-factor. Lawson played 27 minutes, but scored no points. Although he had 4 assists, Lawson did not make a difference in the game for the Nuggs. Wilson Chandler had a nice game as he scored 17 points to go along with 7 boards.
The bench was once again stellar for the Nuggets in the loss. Jordan Hamilton had a huge game by scoring 17 points. He also dropped 4 three pointers and had 5 rebounds. Also having big games off the bench were Andre Miller and Timofey Mozgov as they scored a combined 24 points. The Nuggets bench was key in the game, but the starters did not contribute enough to lift the Nuggets.
Gordon Hayward was outstanding for the Jazz, and led them to victory. The young guard finished the game with 30 points and 13 rebounds. He killed the Nuggets tonight, and is proving that he is a rising star. Derrik Favors had a big game as well for the Jazz as he had 19 points. Rookie point-guard Trey Burke had a double-double for the Jazz and veteran forward Richard Jefferson was 3 for 3 from behind the arc.
The loss is disappointing for the Nuggets. They saw their home win streak snapped, and they lost to a much weaker opponent. The bench played great once again, but the starters have to step up in the future. On Sunday, the Nuggets will look to bounce back against the New Orleans Pelicans at home. You can check back for updates on Sunday’s game here.