The Denver Nuggets overcame a strong performance from Darryn Peterson to beat the Utah Jazz 117-106 in a preseason matchup Tuesday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Peterson led all scorers with 23 points in 30 minutes, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and adding three rebounds and three assists. The rookie also went 1-of-6 from three-point range and 2-of-4 at the free-throw line.
Peterson was aggressive from the opening minutes, scoring four points in the first quarter and continuing to attack the Denver defense throughout the game. He scored 10 points in the second quarter alone, helping Utah take a 59-57 lead into halftime.
The No. 2 overall pick connected on a three-pointer late in the third quarter to cut Denver’s lead to 93-79 after the Nuggets had built a significant advantage.
The Jazz ultimately could not complete the comeback as Denver’s depth kept the visitors in control.
Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 18 points in just 15 minutes, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed five rebounds and finished with a team-best +6 plus-minus among the starters.
Cam Whitmore added 14 points in 17 minutes, while Cameron Johnson scored 10 points and made two of his three three-point attempts. DeMar DeRozan contributed 7 points off the bench, while Julian Strawther finished with 15 points and three three-pointers.
Tyus Jones was effective as a facilitator, recording six assists in 15 minutes. Marvin Bagley III added 10 points and five rebounds, while Ryan Nembhard finished with two points and six assists.
Nikola Jokic played only 16 minutes and scored six points, but he contributed five assists, four rebounds and a steal. Jamal Murray had four points and three assists in 16 minutes.
Utah received 10 points and seven rebounds from Ace Bailey, while Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with seven points and three rebounds in 16 minutes. Mo Bamba posted eight points and 10 rebounds, and Harrison Ingram scored nine points during the fourth-quarter push.
Denver took control in the third quarter, outscoring Utah 30-22 after the Jazz led 59-57 at halftime. The Nuggets extended their advantage to as many as 21 points before Utah trimmed the deficit in the fourth.
The Jazz cut Denver’s lead to 100-90 with 6:29 remaining, but the Nuggets answered with consecutive baskets from Whitmore and Trevon Brazile to maintain control.
Denver shot 53% from the field and made 11 of 28 three-point attempts. Utah shot 44% overall and 32% from three, while the Nuggets also held a 26-22 edge in assists.
The victory moved Denver to 1-1 in the preseason, while Utah also dropped to 1-1.
