by Alma Bean
Feature Image by David Zalubowski of AP Photo
The Utah Jazz (1-2) looks to get back to their winning ways as they take on the NBA champion Denver Nuggets (3-0) to end their two-game road trip.
Second Stop, Mile High
From tip-off, Nikola Jokic (27/10/11) was able to control every aspect of the game. Starting the game shooting 3/3 (100%), Jokic was able to get Aaron Gordon (21/7/2) and Jamal Murray (18/3/14) every look they wanted. Together the three players combined for 19 of Denver’s points in the first quarter. Utah struggled as a whole shooting from the field with John Collins (15/9/1) doing what he could to make sure Denver didn’t run away with the game. Utah shot 8/22 (36.4%) from the field but managed to narrow their turnovers to three all from Jordan Clarkson (4/3/6). Though turnovers were limited and seen as a positive adjustment from previous games, Utah trailed Denver 31-21 at the end of the first quarter.
Throughout the second quarter, it felt as if Utah put a stronger emphasis on defense. Causing turnovers, getting steals and forcing bad shots, this emphasis managed to keep things close. Even with things staying within reach, Utah still struggled to make a basket shooting 9/24 (37.5%) from the field in the quarter. Collins continued to be the main lifeline for Utah as he shot 4/7 (57.1%) from the field and accounting for 9 of Utah’s points in the quarter. Denver’s Julian Strawther (4 points and 2 rebounds) brought production from the bench in the second quarter. Though he only accounted for four points in the half, Strawther gave Utah something to stress about on both ends of the court. With a lack of support for Utah, they trialed Denver, 58-45.
Striking Gold
Starting the second half looked to be in Utah’s favor. Denver only managed to take 18 shot attempts along with seven free throw attempts. Though Denver managed to take seven free throw attempts, Peyton Watson (5 points and 2 rebounds) managed to make the only free throw in the quarter for either team. With excellent defensive prowess from both teams, Utah managed to outscore Denver 24-22 in the quarter but trailed 80-69 going into the final quarter.
Fourth quarter became a fight between David and Goliath. Utah dominated within the perimeter shooting 10/11 (90.9%) led by Walker Kessler (22 points and 13 rebounds). Even with Lauri Markkanen (27/14/5) being absent in the final quarter, Kessler and Collin Sexton (12 points) brought the intensity on both ends of the court. Shooting a combined 5/6 (83.3%) from the field accounting for 13 of Utah’s points in the final quarter, the aggressiveness forced Denver to answer. Even with Utah starting to get hot, Denver’s ability to shoot 56 percent from the field and 28 points from their bench proved to be too much. Denver continues their undefeated season with a 110-102 win over Utah.
What’s Next
Utah makes their way home hoping to end their two-game losing streak on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Hive Sports 
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