Jokic’s Triple-Double Fuels Nuggets Comeback Over Jazz

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic delivered another dominant performance with 33 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists, while Cam Johnson and Jamal Murray combined for four crucial 3-pointers in the final 2:20 as the Denver Nuggets rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Utah Jazz 135-129 on Friday night. The victory solidifies Denver’s position in the competitive Western Conference playoff picture.

Murray added 31 points, building on a strong recent run that saw him score a season-high 53 points just two nights prior. Jokic’s performance marked his fourth consecutive triple-double and his 31st of the season, proving pivotal in avoiding what could have been a damaging loss for the Nuggets.

Nuggets Maintain Playoff Positioning

Denver currently holds the fourth seed in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves and a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. This win is crucial as the regular season winds down and teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Nuggets are aiming to secure home-court advantage throughout as much of the postseason as possible.

The Jazz, despite a strong showing for much of the game, ultimately couldn’t hold onto their lead. Kyle Filipowski led Utah with 25 points, but struggled in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets mounted their comeback. The Jazz offense faltered down the stretch, allowing Denver to capitalize on their momentum.

Comeback Fueled by Late-Game Heroics

The Nuggets’ comeback began with a layup from Jokic, followed by a 3-pointer and two free throws from Tim Hardaway Jr., narrowing the gap to 124-121. Ace Bailey briefly answered for Utah with a baseline jumper, but Jokic responded with a turnaround jumper and Johnson tied the game with another 3-pointer. The teams traded 3-pointers before Johnson, finishing with 12 points, gave the Nuggets the lead for good with a clutch shot from beyond the arc with 46 seconds remaining.

A key turnover by Utah then allowed Murray to seal the victory with a 3-pointer with just 17 seconds left on the clock. The late-game execution by both Jokic and Murray proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

Jazz Struggle in Fourth Quarter

Filipowski, who had been a bright spot for Utah throughout the game, was held scoreless in the final quarter. This offensive drought proved costly as the Nuggets’ defense tightened and their offense found its rhythm. The Jazz, already playing without several key players including Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen, struggled to find consistent scoring options in the face of Denver’s pressure.

Utah had built a lead as large as 14 points late in the third quarter, fueled by 15 Nuggets turnovers. Although, Denver rallied to cut into the deficit, capped by a remarkable 39-footer from Jokic that bounced on the rim twice before falling in as the horn sounded at the end of the third.

Early Game Exchange

The Nuggets initially jumped out to a 12-point lead, but the Jazz responded in the second quarter to tie the game at 62 heading into halftime. The game remained closely contested throughout the third quarter before Denver’s explosive fourth-quarter performance.

Utah has now lost 26 of its last 29 games, highlighting the challenges the team faces as they continue to rebuild. The Nuggets, meanwhile, continue to build momentum as they prepare for the playoffs.

What’s Next

The Utah Jazz will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on Saturday night. The Denver Nuggets will continue their homestand on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. These upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they continue to navigate the remainder of the regular season.

Fans can find the latest updates and scores on the NBA’s official website: https://www.nba.com/