The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: 2017-18 Northwest Division Comparison – January

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts during game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 30, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 30, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets

Current Record: 19-17

Standings: 3rd in Division, 6th in Conference

The Denver Nuggets have been extremely odd of late. They’ve put up some huge wins and amazing performances recently such as a shocking road win over the Golden State Warriors and the blowout victory over the Utah Jazz. However, they’ve won just five of their last 10, dropped some very winnable games to close out the month and ended up going just 7-8 in December.

Yes, much like the most of the rest of the Northwest Division, they’ve had a tough schedule of late, but for the Nuggets to have a month with a losing record that featured them playing insanely well but also disappointingly bad has to be a bit worrisome for Denver fans. At the same time, though, I suppose it shouldn’t come as much surprise. The team is very inexperienced overall and their most formidable veteran presence, Paul Millsap, remains sidelined as he recovers from wrist surgery.

In reality, perhaps the Nuggets should be receiving more praise for keeping their heads above water as they have in spite of the Millsap injury. Gary Harris and Jamal Murray have been playing quite well of late as they prove their worth for this Nuggets team, and the fact that they’re two games above .500 after the tough slate they faced in December is perhaps a testament to how good they can be this year.

And they’ve got a pretty favorable schedule in January in which they’ll take on several beatable teams, so don’t be surprised if this young and resilient Nuggets team only continues to climb the standings, putting them in a great spot as we draw nearer to next month’s All-Star break.

Home/Jazz News