Denver takes control with 71 points across the middle quarters
Aaron Gordon scored 18 points in a little more than 15 minutes as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 117–106 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City on October 6. Denver reversed its earlier preseason loss to Utah by taking control in the second and third quarters, while Darryn Peterson led the Jazz with 23 points. The game finished on October 7 in Philippine time.
Utah had the better opening period and led 31–24 after 12 minutes. Denver responded with 41 points in the second quarter, turning the seven-point deficit into a 65–59 halftime lead. The Nuggets added a 30–22 third quarter to enter the fourth ahead 95–81. Across those two middle periods, Denver outscored Utah 71–50.
Gordon made five of seven field-goal attempts, including two of three from beyond the arc, and went six for seven at the free-throw line. He also collected five rebounds. His 18 points came in 15 minutes and 20 seconds, giving Denver its top individual scoring contribution without a long starter's shift.
Julian Strawther added 15 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. He made three of four three-point attempts and all four free throws. Cam Whitmore supplied another 14 points, while Marvin Bagley III finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Denver's reserves combined for 74 points, compared with 53 for Utah.
Nikola Jokić had six points, four rebounds and five assists in 16 minutes and 20 seconds. Jamal Murray recorded four points and three assists in 15 minutes and 49 seconds, while Cam Johnson scored 10. Tyus Jones contributed six assists from the bench, and Ryan Nembhard added five assists with one turnover in just under 16 minutes.
The Nuggets shot 52.8 percent from the field, making 38 of 72 attempts, and converted 11 of 28 three-pointers. Utah shot 44.1 percent overall and made 12 of 37 from deep. Denver also created a clear advantage at the foul line, scoring 30 points on 42 attempts to Utah's 12 on 22. Neither side was especially accurate there, but the Nuggets' greater volume produced an 18-point difference.
Denver led 16–0 in fast-break points and 46–38 in points in the paint. Its largest lead reached 21, providing room to absorb Utah's 25–22 fourth quarter. The Jazz narrowed the margin late but did not overturn the advantage Denver had established before the final period.
Peterson scored his 23 points on 10-of-18 shooting and added three rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes and 37 seconds. Ace Bailey contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Mo Bamba collected 10 rebounds with eight points off the bench, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaxson Hayes scored seven apiece.
Lauri Markkanen was among the Jazz players listed as not playing by coach's decision. With both teams using short starter shifts and extended reserve rotations, the useful details were the individual contributions and how the scoring developed. Denver's efficient shooting, bench production and substantial free-throw advantage were enough to secure the rematch.