Another loss, but better effort from the Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz showed better effort in their matchup with the defending champions on Monday night.

The first quarter of the Utah Jazz’s game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday looked like more of the same, with the Jazz falling behind early; in the 2nd quarter, however, the Jazz showed some effort and kept things from getting out of hand any further to trail just 58-45 at the half.

During the remainder of the game, Walker Kessler reminded everyone why he is considered a cornerstone of their rebuild, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and a blocked shot while logging 29 minutes, his most of the young NBA season. He had several lob dunks and his effort was much improved compared to the first 3 games.

Lauri Markkanen shook off a poor shooting start to finish with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, his best all-around night so far this season and a welcome sight, as it seemed he wasn’t being properly used.

As a team, the Jazz outrebounded the Nuggets 51-43 and kept the turnover battle even at 12, which was better than their season average. However, their shooting woes continued – 43% from the field, 30% from 3, and 46% from the line. This must improve if they want to win games.

Even a few additional makes from any distance would have kept the game much closer and allowed an opportunity for the win. It seemed each time the Jazz showed good effort and got the score within single digits, the Nuggets would respond.

All of the Utah Jazz starters received 29 minutes or more, the first time that has happened this season.

For the first time, Keyonte George failed to score at least 8 points in a regular season game but did log 20 minutes off the bench. If he has more good games than bad, he’s likely to keep the 15-20 minute-a-night role moving forward.

Talen Horton-Tucker finally looked like a starting guard, if for one night. He logged 30 minutes and had 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists on 58% shooting from the field, including 2 of 3 on shots from deep.

And Collin Sexton finally hit from deep, going 2-5 tonight and forcing less of the action in the paint as he was prone to do in the first 3 games.

Overall it was a moral victory for the Jazz, even if they lost the game 110-102 to the Denver Nuggets. They showed good effort against an elite team and didn’t fold when they were in trouble early on.

More nights like this will result in wins if they can clean up a few things and keep the same effort moving forward.