Key Takeaways
- The Comeback: Denver closed the game on a 21-5 run in the final 5:30.
- Historical Duo: Nikola Jokic (33/15/12) and Jamal Murray (31 pts) dominated the fourth quarter.
- Jazz Rotation Mystery: Utah benched starters Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh for the entire final frame.
DENVER — The Utah Jazz had the Denver Nuggets on the ropes, but they forgot to close the door. Leading by 10 points with just over five minutes remaining, Utah watched as the defending-caliber Nuggets flipped a switch, storming back with a 21-5 closing surge to snatch a 135-129 victory on Friday night.
Jokic and Murray Take Over the Clutch
Nikola Jokic didn’t just pad his stats; he dismantled the Jazz interior defense when it mattered most. The three-time MVP finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his 31st triple-double of the campaign. He shot a blistering 13-of-16 from the field, showing zero hesitation as the pressure mounted.
Jamal Murray provided the necessary perimeter punch, following up a 53-point performance earlier in the week with 31 points and 14 assists. Murray’s 5-of-9 shooting from deep kept the Jazz defenders on their heels, creating the space Jokic needed to work the post.
The Rotation That Failed Utah
While Denver’s stars shone, Utah’s coaching decisions raised eyebrows. Despite leading 124-114 at the 5:29 mark, the Jazz opted to keep Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. Instead, Elijah Harkless, Bez Mbeng, and Kennedy Chandler played all 12 minutes of the final period.
The lack of veteran presence or size against Jokic proved fatal. Denver’s 21-5 run wasn’t just a shooting clinic; it was a physical mismatch that Utah’s young lineup couldn’t solve. The Jazz fell to 21-53 on the season, extending their losing streak to four games.
“We know what time it is when the clock hits five minutes. We’ve been in these wars before. Jamal and I just look at each other and we know—get to our spots, take the best shot, and the rest takes care of itself.”
— Nikola Jokic on the fourth-quarter comeback
Playoff Implications: Nuggets Gaining Momentum
This win marks Denver’s fifth straight victory as they continue to hunt for the top seed in the Western Conference. By showing they can win even when trailing late, the Nuggets sent a clear message to the rest of the league: no lead is safe in Ball Arena. For the Jazz, the focus remains on the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, where they are expected to be major players in the lottery.
What’s Next: The Nuggets head to Phoenix for a high-stakes matchup with the Suns on Sunday, while the Jazz return home to face the Pistons.
