Key Takeaways:
- Denver Nuggets surged to a 19-0 lead inside four minutes and secured a 135-112 victory over the Utah Jazz
- Nuggets matched their franchise record for three-pointers in a game by sinking 24
- Nikola Jokic registered his 14th triple-double of the season and 178th of his career
Nuggets Race Ahead with Relentless Start
On Monday evening in Denver, the Nuggets set the tone with a relentless opening burst, scoring the first 19 points of the contest within four minutes. This opening run left the Utah Jazz reeling, as they failed to convert a field goal or free throw during that span. Notably, this is the second time in 17 days that Utah have failed to score in the early stages, having previously trailed the New York Knicks 23-0 in their 146-112 loss on 5 December.
The most dominant start to a game in NBA history remains the Los Angeles Lakers’ 29-0 run against Sacramento on 4 February 1987.
Went off beyond-the-arc 😳 pic.twitter.com/PCKDBYLTr3
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 23, 2025
Shooting Efficiency and Record-Equalling Performance
Denver utilised lethal shooting from beyond the arc, equalling their franchise record with 24 made three-pointers, and finishing the first quarter at 68.2% from the field. At the half, they had already converted 15 of 28 attempts from distance. Jamal Murray, responsible for five triples in the first half, led the team with 27 points, while Cameron Johnson was perfect from three-point range, hitting 6 of 6 to contribute 20 points.
Nikola Jokic impressed once again, posting 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists — securing his 14th triple-double of the season and the 178th of his career. He clinched this milestone with an assist to Peyton Watson for a layup with 7:10 remaining in the third period. Watson, back after missing two games, matched Johnson’s scoring output with 20 points.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (Denver) | 27 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Cameron Johnson (Denver) | 20 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Nikola Jokic (Denver) | 14 | 13 | 13 | 1 |
| Peyton Watson (Denver) | 20 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver) | 21 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Lauri Markkanen (Utah) | 27 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| Keyonte George (Utah) | 20 | 8 | 7 | 2 |
Utah’s Response and Further Key Moments
The Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 27 points and Keyonte George’s 20, struggled in the opening stanza. Utah missed their first 10 attempts from the field and committed two turnovers before Brice Sensabaugh broke the drought with a corner three-pointer at 7:06 remaining in the first quarter, making it 19-3. Denver, undeterred, pressed forward to lead 33-5 with 4:42 left in the opening period.
Although the Nuggets controlled proceedings, the Jazz managed to close the margin at various stages. They reduced the deficit to 17 following a 13-2 run late in the third quarter, narrowing Denver’s lead from 94-67. In the fourth quarter, Tim Hardaway Jr. (21 points) hit three consecutive three-pointers in a 46-second span, helping Utah close to 105-88, yet Denver maintained their advantage to the final whistle.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Utah Jazz will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night
- Denver Nuggets will face the Dallas Mavericks on the road on Tuesday night
