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The Denver Nuggets dominated the Utah Jazz 135–112 at Ball Arena on December 22, with Jamal Murray leading the way with 27 points while Torrey Hardaway Jr. added 21 in a balanced offensive attack. Denver's three-point barrage proved decisive, draining 24 threes on 50% overall shooting to overwhelm Utah's defense, which finished with a 129.8 offensive rating compared to the Jazz's 104.3. The Nuggets controlled the game's tempo with 37 assists against just 10 turnovers, establishing early dominance with a 40-point first quarter that set the tone for the remainder. Lauri Markkanen paced Utah with 27 points and Keyonte George contributed 20, but the Jazz's 42.7% shooting and 14 turnovers proved costly in a 23-point defeat. Denver's defensive rating of 104.3 stifled Utah's offensive rhythm, particularly after the Jazz's third-quarter surge fell short of mounting a comeback. The final score fell well short of the 251.5 Vegas total, indicating a defensive-minded affair despite Denver's offensive efficiency. The Nuggets' balanced scoring and perimeter prowess underscore their continued Western Conference contention.