SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jamal Murray sank ten shots from beyond the arc, notably a half-court attempt that sailed in just as the first-quarter horn sounded, accumulating 37 points to guide the Denver Nuggets to a 130-117 triumph against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.
Nikola Jokic contributed 17 boards, 15 points, and 12 dimes, achieving his fifth triple-double in half a dozen contests, aiding the Nuggets in securing their seventh consecutive win. Cam Johnson chipped in with 19 points, eight boards, and six helpers. Christian Braun posted 18 points and six boards.
For Utah, Brice Sensabaugh was the top scorer with 28 points, featuring six successful three-point shots, along with six rebounds. Kyle Filipowski contributed 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz, a team now suffering its seventh consecutive loss and holding a 3-19 record over its most recent 22 outings. Kennedy Chandler provided 16 points and six assists coming off the substitutes’ bench.
Murray connected on three-point attempts during Denver’s initial three possessions, enabling the Nuggets to start with an uninterrupted 12-point run and establish a 17-3 advantage. Every one of Denver’s opening six baskets originated from long range.
In total, the Nuggets converted 9 out of 18 attempts from deep in the first quarter. Murray accounted for five three-pointers during this period, capped off by a half-court shot that swished through as the buzzer sounded, extending Denver’s lead to 39-28 as they headed into the second quarter.
The Jazz found themselves behind for the entire game, yet managed to narrow the gap to 30-27 late in the first period with a trio of consecutive scores from Sensabaugh and Filipowski. Denver re-established a lead exceeding ten points through a 15-2 scoring surge that stretched into the second quarter. Jonas Valanciunas capped this run by driving for a layup, pushing Denver’s advantage to 45-29.
Utah was down by as much as 18 points before reducing the difference to 101-97 thanks to Sensabaugh’s finger roll layup at the start of the fourth period. Murray and Braun responded with consecutive scores, igniting an additional 15-2 surge that allowed Denver to once again extend its lead.
Upcoming Schedule
For the Nuggets: They will host San Antonio this Saturday.
For the Jazz: They are scheduled to play in Houston on Friday.
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