Nikola Jokic stepped up when the Nuggets needed him most. He carried Denver to an 80-78 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The big man was the Nuggets only consistent player on offense tonight, as both teams played their best defensive game of the series.
He put the Nuggets up for good by showing off tremendous footwork to get a bucket over Rudy Gobert with 27.8 seconds remaining. Mike Conley missed a running 3-pointer at the buzzer on Utah’s last chance.
Jokic finished the game with 30 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Jamal Murray struggled after played brilliantly in the previous six games of the series. He was 7-21 on field goal attempts and finished with 17 points.
Gobert was excellent for the Jazz, who trailed by 19 points in the third quarter. He finished with 19 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks. Donovan Mitchell finally cooled off, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds but nine turnovers.
Denver’s comeback from down 3-1 in the series should give them some momentum heading into their second round series against the favored Los Angeles Clippers.
