Nikola Jokic recorded 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Jamal Murray added 31 points as the Denver Nuggets overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Utah Jazz 135-129 on Friday at Ball Arena. Denver improved to 47-28, holding fourth place in the Western Conference.
The Nuggets trailed 120-107 entering the final quarter, but Jokic sparked the rally with a layup and later a deep 39-foot shot at the third-quarter buzzer. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed a key three-pointer and two free throws to bring Denver within three.
Cam Johnson and Murray combined for four three-pointers in the final 2:20, including Johnson’s game-winning triple with 46 seconds left and Murray’s dagger from deep with 17 seconds remaining. Johnson finished with 12 points.
Kyle Filipowski led Utah with 25 points but went scoreless in the fourth quarter. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s and Jokic’s late scoring runs allowed Denver to erase Utah’s 43-point third quarter, during which the Jazz capitalized on eight Nuggets turnovers.
The Jazz, who have lost 26 of their last 29 games, were without Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen. Utah fell to 21-53 despite Cody Williams’ 24 points and Ace Bailey’s 15, highlighting the struggles of a depleted roster.
Denver opened with an early 12-point lead, but Utah tied the game 62-62 at halftime. Jokic’s fourth straight triple-double and 31st of the season kept the Nuggets on track in a critical playoff stretch.
The Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, while Utah travels to Phoenix on Saturday. Denver’s comeback underscores the team’s resilience in the Western Conference playoff race, with Jokic and Murray combining for 62 points to secure a vital win.
