The first divisional matchup of the season for the Denver Nuggets didn’t go according to plan, for several reasons. A first-half injury to reigning MVP Nikola Jokiu0107 caused him to miss the remainder of Tuesday’s game against the Utah Jazz, as the Nuggets fell 122-110 on the road.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth shootout, as both teams scored in the paint with ease. Jokiu0107 and Aaron Gordon combined for 19 points on 8-of-8 shooting in the opening frame, as both teams finished with 18 points in the paint. Utah ultimately took a 35-31 lead into the second quarter, taking advantage of four Nuggets turnovers in the opening 12 minutes.