Denver Nuggets Count the Utah Jazz as Next Victim
A fourth quarter offensive explosion by the Denver Nuggets led the team to a 103-88 victory over the division rival Jazz.
The Nuggets continue to tear through opponents with what almost looks like the squad has something to prove. The game on Saturday against the Jazz was competitive and back-and-forth until the fourth quarter when the Nuggets went wild and were left unchecked by Utah.
Denver has really demonstrated that they’ve learned from previous mistakes. The defensive woes seem to have been remedied and Nikola Jokic personally has risen to all the criticisms previously lobbed at him.
Gary Harris turned in 20 points and Jamal Murray sunk 19 points. Malik Beasley and Mason Plumlee both hit critical 3-point shots (Plumlee’s first!) to bust open the fourth quarter beating the Jazz took.
Nikola Jokic was a little quiet with field goals, only scoring seven points, but really delivered in other way with a season high 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Those that call for him to shoot more in these times need to see where he can be the most valuable. Harris and Murray had the shooting part handled.
The Nuggets very, very, ugly, no-good, bad quarter was ultimately the third which is concerning because it harkens back to days before when the team would flare up in the beginning of the season and not be able to hold on to anything substantial for the year. It’s a common long-time Nuggets fear but I think this year is different.
One big difference is they are the best defensive team now, not the worst. The Nuggets held Utah to four field goals in the fourth quarter. They missed seven straight shots during a 24-3 Nuggets run. Although the Jazz have lost their last three games, they are considered competition, especially in our North West division.
Jay Crowder scored 21 points, playing with tons of energy and Donovan Mitchell gave Utah fans quite a scare when he was taken off the court with an ankle injury. Mitchell returned and ended with 16 points.
Next. Nugs vs. Cavs. dark
Look for more Nuggets on Monday, November 5 against the Boston Celtics.