SALT LAKE CITY — Jamal Murray delivered an impressive performance, scoring 45 points and hitting vital free throws with just 31.8 seconds left, allowing the Denver Nuggets to fend off a resilient Utah Jazz team with a final score of 128-125 on Monday night.
The Jazz’s Keyonte George shone brightly in defeat, contributing 36 points, but was unable to capitalize on two free throw opportunities that could have shifted the game in Utah’s favor. The pivotal moment came with 16.3 seconds remaining when a likely sixth foul on Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was reviewed and reversed to a blocked shot.
Jokic, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, made two crucial free throws with 6.1 seconds left in the game. George’s last-second 3-point attempt fell short, granting the Nuggets the narrow victory.
Denver faced challenges with Cam Johnson unable to play due to an ankle injury, but they saw solid support from Julian Strawther and Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 15 and 13 points, respectively. With Jokic taking a breather and the Nuggets feeling the effects of playing back-to-back games, Murray took charge, especially in the third quarter where he scored 18 points and sank five 3-pointers, pushing Denver to a 100-93 lead heading into the final period.
George, making his return after three weeks out due to ankle sprains, showcased his shooting prowess as well, making 14 of 22 attempts from the field, including four from beyond the arc. His dunk with 2:13 remaining placed Utah ahead at 122-118, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Despite significant injury issues leaving Lauri Markkanen and many other starters sidelined, the Jazz fought hard, keeping the game tight without allowing the Nuggets to extend their lead into double digits. Kyle Filipowski added 19 points, with Ace Bailey contributing 18, but Utah’s loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat.
The Nuggets will look to build on this win as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while the Jazz will aim to turn things around on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.