Jamal Murray (45 points) saves the Nuggets in Utah

With three defeats in four matches, c Nuggets they are not at their best at the moment, and this was confirmed last night by the partners from Nikola Jokic narrowly won (128-125) on the jazz floor. They can thank Jamal Murray, the author of 45 points!

The All-Star point guard was the Nuggets’ main offensive engine all night, stringing together award-winning shots and decisive actions. Conversely, Keyonte George, in his second game after three weeks out with a sprained ankle, responded immediately. Very skilled (14/22 shooting, 4/9 3-pointers), matched up with Jamal Murray in a true long-range matchup. Utah stayed in touch throughout the first half, also led by the defensive energy of Elijah Harkless, author of several important interceptions, and interesting sequences by Kyle Filipowski. At the break, Utah is ahead: 67-66.

The turning point comes in the third quarter. Taking advantage of Nikola Jokic’s downtime on the bench and the general lack of energy on the Denver side associated with back-to-back players, Jamal Murray caught fire: 18 points in the period, including five awarded baskets. The Nuggets entered the last quarter with a lead of seven points (100-93).

determined “challenge”

But Jazz didn’t give up. George continued his offensive recital and gave Utah the advantage again with a dunk with two minutes left (122-118). While victory was within reach, the end of the match would still turn in favor of the Nuggets. This time “clutch” at the line, Murray scored free throws and restored the advantage with 32 seconds left (126-125). Then, 16 seconds from the end, the action will change the course of “time for money”.

After attacking the rim in front of three Nuggets, George gets two shots that could have given the Jazz the lead again as he sends Jokic to the bench for his sixth foul. Only after watching the video for a long time, the decision was reversed: the referees confirm Jokić’s counter, cancel the throws and the 6th pivot foul.

It was the Serb who sealed the victory with free throws 6 seconds after the buzzer (128-125). On the final possession, Keyonte George misses a 3-pointer at the tying signal, and the Nuggets can breathe.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– It hurts Murray-George. Nikola Jokić was not in the center of attention for once, because the duel between Jamal Murray and Keyonta George animated the whole meeting. 45 points for the first, 36 for the second. And this “challenge” that spoils the efforts of the Jazz guard, who also misses the tying basket.

– Jaren Jackson Jr. and a cheerleader. He played only three matches in his new colors, but “JJJ” is the most enthusiastic on the bench. The former best defender in the NBA does not stop cheering on his young teammates, and acts like a sixth man.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=MFaKNJ-JRIo

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.