Jazz Defeat Nuggets 109-97 in Preseason Opener
The Utah Jazz outperformed the Denver Nuggets, winning 109-97 in their preseason opener at CU Events Center.
The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 109-97 in their preseason opener at CU Events Center in Boulder, CO on Sunday, October 4, 2026. An enthusiastic crowd of 7,860 witnessed the Jazz’s strong performance, marking their first win of the preseason.
Game Overview
The Jazz set the tone early, outscoring the Nuggets 36-27 in the first quarter. By halftime, Utah led by 11, with a score of 63-52. Despite a valiant effort from Denver to close the gap, the Jazz maintained their advantage throughout the game.
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
- First Quarter: Jazz 36, Nuggets 27
- Second Quarter: Jazz 27, Nuggets 25
- Third Quarter: Jazz 25, Nuggets 25
- Fourth Quarter: Jazz 21, Nuggets 20
The Jazz consistently maintained their scoring momentum, gradually pulling away from the Nuggets. Despite Denver’s attempts to find a rhythm, they faced challenges in keeping pace with Utah’s offensive flow.
Top Performers
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 17 points, contributing effectively on both ends of the court. Another significant contributor was Keyonte George, who added 15 points along with four rebounds. Blake Hinson showcased his shooting ability off the bench, scoring 14 points in just 17 minutes.
The Nuggets’ standout performer was Julian Strawther, who scored 14 points off the bench. Aaron Gordon contributed 12 points and four rebounds, but the team struggled to find consistent scoring options.
Team Statistics Overview
The game featured closely matched stats, with the Jazz shooting 42% from the field compared to the Nuggets’ 40%. The Jazz also had a slight edge in three-point shooting at 33% versus Denver’s 28%. Free throw accuracy played a role, with the Jazz hitting 80% of their attempts compared to the Nuggets’ 67%.
In terms of rebounds, Utah dominated with 54 boards to Denver’s 47. The Jazz also had a stronger assist total, finishing with 28 compared to 27 for the Nuggets. Both teams showed similar turnover rates, with the Jazz committing 10 and the Nuggets 11.
What’s Next
With this victory, the Utah Jazz begin their preseason with a 1-0 record, while the Denver Nuggets will look to bounce back from this defeat, starting their preseason at 0-1. The two teams will meet again in the regular season, with the first matchup of the season series set for November 27.
