David Gonzales-Imagn Images

NBA Announces Bad Mistake in Nuggets-Jazz Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 1:18 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets barely beat the shorthanded Utah Jazz on Friday night, as they trailed by as many as 13 points midway through the final quarter before staging an epic comeback.

Utah found itself ahead 120-107 with 6:49 left in the fourth quarter. However, Denver staged a 19-6 run in less than five minutes and tied the game at 126-126 with 2:20 left.

In the end, the Nuggets' depth and star power proved crucial, as they edged the Jazz 135-129. Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, while Jamal Murray added 31 points, six boards and 14 dimes.

The Jazz, playing without their best players in Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr., saw Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski combine for 49 points. Seven Utah players scored in double figures.

While the Jazz blew a huge lead, the Nuggets did benefit from a rather crucial mistake from the referees.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches from the bench.© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jazz guard Elijah Harkless lost control of the ball with around 33 seconds left in the game, allowing Aaron Gordon to steal possession. It was a costly error since Utah was trailing Denver by three points at the time, 132-129.

According to the NBA's Last Two Minute Report, Murray hit Harkless' arm during the play, which caused him to lose the ball. That being said, the Nuggets guard should have been called for a foul instead.

The Jazz lost the opportunity to potentially cut the lead. Not to mention that the Nuggets were able to build further on their advantage after getting possession.

Utah dropped to 21-54 on the season with the loss. As for Denver, the team improved to 47-28 for a top four seed in the West.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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