Denver Nuggets takes on Utah Jazz in the series-decider game of the postseason round in the American Basketball League 2019-20.
Team Preview
Utah Jazz is the road team against the 3rd seeded Denver Nuggets in the series decider after a compelling and thrilling series in the postseason. Utah had a tough start as the Nuggets won the first game 135-125 to take a 1-0 lead in the playoff round. Jazz made a strong comeback and added three consecutive games to take a 3-1 lead in the series. With Murray-show, Denver Nuggets overcame Utah Jazz for the next two games to take the series into the decider. With a 107-119 victory on Sunday, Denver and Utah are tied with 3-3 in 7-matches playoff series.
In Game-6, Nuggets had huge pressure but they took it as a challenge. In the first quarter, Utah outplayed Nuggets as they took the first quarter 36-30 but Denver made comeback with an 11-points advantage in the 2nd quarter. Denver continued their dominance and took the last two quarters to take the game 107-119. Nuggets shot 54.9% from the floor while Jazz shot 45.3%. Both sides had a tie in 3-pointers as both shot 18 out of 36 beyond the arc. Denver dominated the offensive rebounds with 30-43. The Utah and Denver series has been a series to watch out so far and we have seen some terrific performances from Murray and Mithell. Murray led Denver in this do-die affair with scoring another 40 plus points – the 3rd consecutive 40 plus points in playoffs. In his 50-points, he hit 17 of 24 from the floor, including 9 of 12 from the three-point range. On the other hand, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 44 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the defeat.
Utah stands first amongst all teams in the postseason in field goal percentage by shooting 50.4 percent from the floor and they come second in the league by drilling 17 three-pointers per contest. Nuggets stand fifth in the league in field goal percentage with 48.1 percent from the floor and come third in the league by knocking down 16.3 three-pointers. The pressure is on Jazz now as they failed to capitalise in the last two games and now they’re on the verge of elimination. Murray and Mitchell are creating new records in playoff history but it’s Murray who might go through to the Western Conference semifinal.
Starting possible lineups
Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray (PG), Monte Morris (PG), Jerami Grant (SF/PF), Paul Millsap (PF), Nikola Jokic (C)
Utah Jazz
Mike Conley (PG), Donovan Mitchell (SG), Joe Ingles (SG), Royce O'Neale (SF), Rudy Gobert (C)
Key Players (Stats from postseason)
Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic (C): 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds
Jamal Murray (PG): 34 points, 6.2 rebounds
Michael Porter Jr. (SF): 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds
Utah Jazz
Donovan Mitchell (SG): 38.7 points, 4.3 rebounds
Jordan Clarkson (PG): 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds
Rudy Gobert (C): 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds
