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Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – January

By Jared Woodcox

Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) tries to get past Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) and guard Dante Exum (11) in the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) tries to get past Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) and guard Dante Exum (11) in the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Nuggets

Current Record: 14-21

Standings: 4th in Division, 10th in Conference

Although the Nuggets are seven games under .500 with a 14-21 record, they are surprisingly just 1.5 games out of eighth place in the West. They’ve played in a lot of close games and have found a way to sneak past several good teams due to their relentless offensive attack and their roster that is stocked full of young athleticism.

The Nuggets are a well-rounded squad that features six players who average double figures and have one of the better young big men in the league in Nikola Jokic. They have a long ways to go before they’re truly a threat in the West, but given the inconsistent play of the other teams fighting for the eighth spot in the conference – the Blazers, Kings and you could even throw in the Pelicans – the Nuggets have a legitimate chance of sneaking in.

To do so, however, they’ll more than likely have to significantly step up their defense. They continue to allow their opponents to put up a ton of points on them as they’re currently just 26th in the league in opponent points per game.

However, they rebound well, score a lot of points themselves and have a team full of energy guys that play with a lot of heart. From a pure demeanor standpoint, this Nuggets team has a winning attitude and while they may be too young and inexperienced to turn that into anything this season, it will certainly help them to have a winning formula in upcoming years.

Nevertheless, while Portland isn’t having nearly the kind of successful season that they had last year, I’m confident that they’re going to get things sorted out at least well enough to finish ahead of the Nuggets. Therefore, I’m going to predict that Denver stays put at fourth in the division to finish out the year.

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