Nikola Jokić Posts Another Triple-Double as Denver Nuggets Rally Past Utah Jazz 135-129 with Late Three-Pointers from Jamal Murray and Cam Johnson

DENVER — Denver Nuggets overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Utah Jazz 135-129 on Friday night in NBA action, powered by another triple-double from Nikola Jokić (33 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists) and clutch three-pointers from Jamal Murray and Cam Johnson in the final minutes.

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The game featured multiple momentum swings. Denver started strong and built an early 12-point lead, but Utah responded during the second quarter to even the score. At halftime, both teams were tied at 62 following a high-scoring first half.

The dynamic shifted after the break. Utah found its rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 43 points and capitalizing on Denver turnovers. The Jazz converted 15 points off eight Nuggets turnovers and built leads as large as 14 points late in the period. Denver cut into the deficit before the end of the quarter thanks to a spectacular play by Nikola Jokić, who made a shot from nearly 40 feet at the buzzer after the ball bounced twice off the rim before falling through.

Utah maintained control early in the fourth quarter, leading 120-107. However, Denver then launched its comeback led by its Serbian star. Jokić opened the run with a layup, Tim Hardaway Jr., who finished with 21 points, added a three-pointer and two free throws to bring the Nuggets within 124-121.

After Ace Bailey hit a mid-range shot for Utah, Jokić responded with a jump shot and Cam Johnson tied the game with a three-pointer. Both teams traded baskets from beyond the arc before Johnson, who finished with 12 points, put Denver ahead with another three-pointer with 46 seconds remaining.

Following a Utah turnover, Jamal Murray sealed the victory with a three-pointer with 17 seconds left. The Canadian point guard finished with 31 points, just two nights after posting his season-high 53 points.

Kyle Filipowski led Utah with 25 points, but failed to score in the fourth quarter, precisely when Denver completed its comeback. The Jazz played without several key contributors, including Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen.

The victory keeps Denver firmly in contention for the upper tier of the Western Conference. The Nuggets sit in fourth place in the West, one game ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves and half a game behind Los Angeles Lakers in a tightly bunched standings race down the stretch.