Nikola Jokic’s electrifying third quarter powered the Denver Nuggets to their first home victory of the season, a dominant 129-103 win over the Utah Jazz. In a performance that showed his growing intent to make the most of every minute on the floor, Jokic secured a fourth-quarter rest, a rarity given his significant minutes through the season’s first five games. Averaging over 39 minutes per game before this matchup, Jokic seemed determined to lead his team to a commanding win early on, and his 18-point third quarter ensured the Nuggets could coast through the fourth with their bench taking the reins.
By the end of the night, Jokic had racked up 27 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists in just under 30 minutes of play. His impact was clear from the first quarter, where Denver captured their first lead after one frame this season, to the second half, where Jokic and the starters transformed a modest halftime advantage into an insurmountable 24-point cushion. The Nuggets’ supporting cast, finally able to enjoy some valuable garbage-time reps, added to the scoring.
Michael Porter Jr. turned in another impressive performance, contributing 20 points on a highly efficient 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Christian Braun continued to solidify his two-way role in the lineup with 17 points, three assists, and two steals. The Nuggets, who had been humbled just a night earlier by the Timberwolves’ 3-point shooting, found their own rhythm from deep against the Jazz, hitting 16 of 32 three-point attempts. Rookie Julian Strawther stood out off the bench, tallying 17 points and knocking down three triples to keep Denver’s offense rolling.
The fourth quarter became a welcome training ground for Denver’s struggling second unit, whose early-season difficulties were partly alleviated by this opportunity to build chemistry. Young talents like Hunter Tyson seized the chance, netting a career-high seven points in only his second NBA game, while Peyton Watson found his groove as a rim-runner, adding vital depth to the squad’s rotation. DeAndre Jordan, appearing for the first time this season, stepped up as Jokic’s backup and provided an immediate spark in the first half, helping the Nuggets extend their lead with an 8-0 run.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook stepped into the starting lineup in place of Jamal Murray, who was sidelined with a concussion. Though Westbrook’s shooting was cold at just 2-for-11 from the field, his presence on both ends was felt in his seven assists and five steals. In a thrilling defensive moment, Westbrook disrupted a Jazz fast-break lob attempt before drawing a foul while chasing an offensive rebound, showing his trademark hustle and playmaking instincts.
While Utah briefly erased Denver’s lead in the second quarter, any hopes of a Jazz comeback were swiftly dashed once Jokic returned. Within minutes, he and the Nuggets’ starters had reestablished control, rebuilding a 14-point lead that only grew as the night went on. In this impressive home victory, the Nuggets not only notched their first regulation win but also showed a glimpse of the cohesion and depth they’ll need to sustain a successful season.
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