Nikola Jokic praised his team’s ability to stay composed in Denver’s 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.
“I mean the first half was so-so, but they play really aggressive. In the first half they had a lot of transition points and I think we kind of slowed them down until the fourth quarter,” Jokic said.
He credited key shots from both teams’ stars for shaping the game. “George made a couple big shots and Jamal had a couple big shots. So we find a way to win the game, definitely,” he noted.
Jokic discussed how defenses have been sending multiple defenders at him recently. “I was trying not to force it and try to play the game. I think it was okay. We did a good job passing, scoring. We still score 120 points. It’s a good night for us,” he explained.
The Nuggets’ late-game challenge also factored into the outcome. “That challenge at the end really did make a role in this game and in this win. I didn’t feel like it was something affecting us, just looking to see if they saw something crucial,” Jokic said.
Jokic praised Murray’s scoring ability and versatility. “I am just impressed by his ability to make shots, create his own shots, sometimes get to the basket, sometimes make tough shots. He can create and make open, good, bad, tough shots,” he said.
Denver overcame injuries and a taxing back-to-back schedule, with Murray scoring 45 points and hitting the go-ahead free throws with 31.8 seconds remaining. Jokic added 22 points and 12 rebounds, including two late free throws to seal the victory.
Utah’s Keyonte George scored 36 points but was denied potential game-winning free throws on a reversed call with 16.3 seconds left. The Jazz stayed competitive despite missing multiple starters, including Lauri Markkanen and Cam Johnson.
The Nuggets improve to 38-24 and host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while Utah falls to 18-43 and travels to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
