The Denver Nuggets outlasted the Utah Jazz in game one to take a 1-0 series lead. Here’s how they might fare in game 2.
Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray put on an absolutely scintillating fourth quarter and overtime display down the stretch of game one. Mitchell dropped jaws after pouring in 57 points in the loss. Even though the modern NBA era is undeniably conducive to loftier and loftier offensive numbers, 57 points is 57 points.
Murray did his thing as well, scoring 20 points in the fourth and overtime as part of his remarkable 36-point explosion. Murray also came to that number while attempting 13 less shots than Mitchell and only shot four free throws. For the Nuggets, grabbing a close, nerve-racking win is going to go a long way for them mentally after coughing up game seven a year ago against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Nuggets now head into game two in search of the all important 2-0 series lead. The Jazz have shown a certain resiliency in the postseason in recent years, notably when they fiercely battled the Houston Rockets in the second round of the playoffs two years ago and won game two in Houston after getting run off the floor in game one.
The Nuggets are also dealing with the news that Will Barton will likely be out the rest of the way for Denver, leaving open a gaping hole in the team’s rotation that is now up for grabs. Michael Porter Jr. will get more and more run today, while P.J. Dozier and Troy Daniels figure to be potential stopgaps.
The Nuggets are in for another strong test from a tough, physical team that is led by one of the most exceptional coaches in all of basketball, Quin Snyder. Tip-off is at 4:00 P.M. ET.