Utah JazzOpen full analysis
Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
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.
