The Nuggets blew out the Jazz by a final score of 107-83.
After a bit of a reprieve for the holiday, the Denver Nuggets returned to action by battling a division rival in front of the Pepsi Center crowd.
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They were tasked with defeating the stingy Utah Jazz. A task in which they succeeded. Denver had struggled against this young Utah core in the previous two match ups this season. This time around, things were much different.
Yes, it helps when the star player for the opposing team doesn’t play. But, this is the NBA. Excuses do not win games.
Denver was riding high after two outstanding back to back wins. They carried that momentum into this game and Utah ran straight into a brick wall. A brick wall made of hardcore Denver Nuggets defense and creative and fluid offense generated by Jamal Murray both team wise and personally.
Murray really seems to be settling in after some growing pains at the start of the year. Now, that he is okay with the point, he is one of Denver’s more versatile weapons as he can still be utilized at his natural two guard spot still. Murray finished the game with an efficient 22 points on 60% shooting while also draining three of his six three point shots on the night.
The Denver defense has been something to behold as of late. After being one of the worst defensive units in the league last year, the Nuggets have taken two giant steps forward in this department. They have now held the defending champion Warriors to only 81 points. And now, they have held the Jazz to only 83 points on 32.1% shooting. Despite only getting three steals as a team, Denver did a great job getting their hands up and contesting the shots and finishing the possession by securing the defensive board.
It is a breath of fresh air for Nuggets Nation and the results have been more than satisfactory lately.
Next: Nuggets win third straight
The Nuggets are now on a three game win streak and will seek their fourth straight on a back to back in Minnesota against the high flying Timberwolves.