Jazz Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Nuggets

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz snapped their four-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets 125-102.

Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points, grabbed five rebounds, and handed out four assists to lead the Jazz on the offensive end.

Rudy Gobert outdueled Nikola Jokic’s 35 points, 15 rebounds, 14 assist triple-double with an 18 points, 19 rebound outing as the Jazz outscored Denver by 36 with their All-Star center back on the floor.

First Quarter

The Jazz looked rusty after three days off getting beat off the dribble and turning the ball over.

However, an early Quin Snyder timeout righted the ship as the Jazz settled down defensively which led to easy looks in transition for Bojan Bogdanovic.

🔥 Jordan 🔥 Clarkson 🔥#TakeNote #UTAvsDEN https://t.co/Js5hvtQ2Pd

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 17, 2022

Jordan Clarkson continued his strong play of late catching fire late in the first quarter and had a game-high 12 points after one.

After 12 minutes, the Jazz led the Nuggets 37-33.

Second Quarter

Eric Paschall opened the second quarter in the Jazz rotation after a series of strong performances in Gobert’s absence.

Paschall’s energy continued to be a benefit for the Jazz in the quarter as he scored four points attacking the paint rather than setting for shots as a floor spacer.

Rudy Gobert throws down alley-oop dunk in first quarter against Denver.https://t.co/gawnt0N2zq

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 17, 2022

The Nuggets entered the game shorthanded in the frontcourt and had to play Jeff Green at center which allowed Gobert to get a series of easy baskets in the paint.

Donovan Mitchell came alive late in the half and had 15 points at the half.

At the break, the Jazz led Denver 68-58.

Third Quarter

The Jazz struggled offensively in the third quarter which led to leak out opportunities for the Nuggets in transition.

Nikola Jokic played the entire third quarter, as did Will Barton one night after playing in Los Angeles while the Jazz were coming off three days rest.

Bojan Bogdanovic shows off his ball handling skills on the way to two points Sunday night. He's on 🔥 with 18 points through three quarters.#takenote https://t.co/wJOXAw7D9v

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 17, 2022

Mitchell was the team’s best offensive threat scoring eight points but needed nine shots to do it en route to a 23 point third quarter.

After three, the Jazz led the Nuggets 91-88.

Fourth Quarter

The Nuggets had to rest Jokic to open the final period and ultimately it cost them the game.

The Jazz opened the quarter with an 11-0 run to take a 14 point lead and the Nuggets didn’t have enough offensive fire-power to get back into the game.

Donovan Mitchell hits a long range 3⃣ near the logo as Jazz go on big fourth quarter run to close out the Nuggets. 🏀🗑️#takenote #UTAatDENhttps://t.co/dFwqSCEtTh

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 17, 2022

Mitchell finished with 31 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Gobert added 18 points and 19 rebounds on a perfect 7-7- shooting and was +36.

The Jazz beat the Nuggets 125-102 behind a 34-14 fourth quarter.

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