Future Cooper Flagg’s team I mean the Utah Jazz moved to 0-6 after a 103-129 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Inability to protect the paint and continued struggles from three was the Jazz’s downfall tonight.
Game Recap
1st Quarter
The game started and the paint was a main factor for both sides. The game was back and forth, but around the 7-minute mark turnovers continued to be a problem for Utah with multiple transition buckets from Denver and they got to a fast 5-14 lead before Will Hardy called his first timeout. After the timeout Utah brought on bench depth and that began some faster play with Juzang and Collins pushing the game and the quarter ended with Utah 26 Denver 37.
2nd Quarter
The second quarter began and Utah was looking better. Around the 9-minute mark, momentum started to shift starting with Collin Sexton pushing the pace. Utah’s defense started to become more of a presence with deflections and rebounds which led to more transition buckets. And Denver calls timeout with 8 minutes left with the score 38-42. After the timeout, the Nuggets held Utah to only 4 points in three minutes. So Denver started to pull away. The half ended with a buzzer-beater from Keyonte to end the first half Utah 56 Denver 65.
3rd Quarter
The second half started and Denver’s defense was giving Utah trouble. A Lot of shots early on in the half came really late into the shot clock which led to a lot of chucking from the Jazz. And when shots don’t fall you better hope your defense is good enough and it just wasn’t. Denver’s shooting extended the lead by Michael Porter Jr. and the quarter ended with Utah 75 Denver 99.
4th Quarter
Final quarter was underway and Denver took out their main starters. Which is funny because Jokić was only one assist away from a triple-double. But even with their second unit, paint points just continued to be a problem for the Jazz. And the few times there was a stop, inability to grab defensive rebounds just hurt Utah tonight and the game ended with Utah 103 Denver 129.
Standout Players
John Collins- He shot pretty well tonight and had some important passes for Utah’s ball movement. Part of it might be because Denver doesn’t really have a defensive big but he was a standout.
Johnny Juzang- Very happy he is getting into the rotation and it might be because we have so many guys out, but I’m glad he’s getting a chance. I enjoyed him a lot all preseason and tonight he put up 17 points and showed a lot of hustle.
Cody Williams- I know the transition from college to the NBA is extremely different in terms of competition, and I’m not panicking because it’s only 6 games in, but some of his shots tonight missed the rim completely.
Walker Kessler- He wasn’t bad on the offensive side but that defense. Denver was just going at him in the paint and just getting whatever they wanted. I don’t know if it’s the trade rumors or confidence but right now he needs to watch highlights back to that first game against Memphis.
Next Game
Who: Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls
When: November 4th, 6:30PM Mountain Time
Where: United Center – Chicago, IL
Watch: Jazz+, KJZZ
