Jazz-Nuggets Preview

By KATE HEDLIN
Posted Oct 27 2009 12:27AM

While most Western Conference contenders made big offseason moves, the Denver Nuggets were content to stick with the group that led the franchise to its first conference finals in 24 years.

The Nuggets will begin to see if their decision to rely on continuity was the right one when they open the 2009-10 season at home against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

After five consecutive first-round playoff exits, Denver reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1985 last season, beating New Orleans and Dallas in the first two rounds before losing in six games to the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers.

That success has led to big expectations for 2009-10. However, while several of the West's contenders were making deals over the summer - Los Angeles signed Ron Artest, Dallas traded for Shawn Marion and San Antonio picked up Richard Jefferson - the Nuggets chose to stick with what they believe worked in 2008-09.

Four of the five starters from last season are returning, and Denver re-signed Chris Andersen, a key figure off the bench who averaged 6.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots in 20.6 minutes per game last season.

Coach George Karl said the choice to remain quiet during the offseason was in hopes that last season's team, which accomplished so much led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, would be eager for more.

"I think that would have maybe put too much pressure," Karl said of the potential impact of adding a big name. "It was an easy challenge to go to 'Melo, J.R. (Smith) and Nene and say, 'Hey, we think you can be better than you were last year,' and challenging them to grow. I don't think we were that far from the Lakers."

Denver is counting on another big season from Anthony and Billups. Billups will have had a full offseason to work with the Nuggets after joining them last November in a trade from Detroit. He averaged 17.9 points and 6.4 assists with Denver while providing a veteran presence to go along with Anthony after the failure of Anthony's partnership with Allen Iverson.

However, Billups doesn't believe the return of Denver's core necessarily means it will be one of the biggest threats in the West again this season.

"You've got to prove yourself all over again," said Billups, who has advanced to the conference finals each of the last seven years dating to his first season with the Pistons in 2002-03. "You can't feel like it's automatic that you're going to be good just because you've got the same players. If you feel like teams are going to lay down because you made the Western Conference finals, you're in for a real long season."

Although Denver kept most of its starting lineup in tact, it'll have to make up for the losses of role players Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza. Ty Lawson, the 18th overall pick in June's draft, could fill part of that void as Billups' backup.

Denver displaced Utah as Northwest Division champion last season, and the Jazz are eager to reclaim the title.

Utah suffered a first-round exit in the playoffs at the hands of the Lakers after losing in the second round the year before and the conference finals in 2007.

After the quick playoff exit, it wasn't long before the Jazz were forced to deal with the distraction caused by an unhappy Carlos Boozer. Boozer, a two-time All-Star limited to 37 games last season because of injuries, was vocal about being open to a trade. However, he was unwilling to risk free agency by opting out of the final year of his contract, and the Jazz, who insist he is part of their plans, did not move him.

"We're happy to have everybody back. That's what we've always believed in. You get a team and you try to keep them together," said coach Jerry Sloan, entering his 22nd season with Utah. "I'm not looking to trade him. If it's a good business decision for our team, we have to make those decisions."

Boozer's injury wasn't the only one to affect the Jazz last season. Point guard Deron Williams missed almost an entire month at the start of the season because of ankle problems, and Mehmet Okur struggled with a hamstring injury that limited him to two subpar performances in the playoffs.

Though Williams and Okur - the team's leading scorers in 2008-09 - appear healthy, the Jazz are already being forced to deal with injuries again. Ronnie Brewer missed the team's preseason finale with back spasms, and his status for the opener is uncertain. Starting swingman C.J. Miles is sidelined after rupturing a ligament in his left thumb earlier this month, and key reserve Kyle Korver will miss the beginning of the season after undergoing surgery on his knee.

The early injuries don't bode well for Utah's ability to address its other major concern from last season - playing on the road. The Jazz went 15-26 away from home last season and they play six of their first 10 this season outside Salt Lake City, including five road games against teams that made the playoffs last spring.

That tough stretch starts with a trip to the Pepsi Center, where Denver went 33-8 in 2008-09.

Utah and Denver split their four meetings last season, each winning both of its home games.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Nuggets' one-two punch of Billups, Anthony finish off Jazz

By By Michael Kelly, for NBA.com
Posted Thursday October 29, 2009 2:35AM

DENVER (NBA.com exclusive) -- Chauncey Billups ignited the Nuggets on Wednesday night, and then Carmelo Anthony finished off the Jazz.

Billups scored 14 of his 25 points in the third quarter to help erase an eight-point deficit, and then Anthony put an exclamation point on the 114-105 win with a steal and dunk midway through the fourth quarter.

It was only the first game of a long season, but considering how tight the Northwest Division will be this year, it was a big one.

"They're huge, especially the way we finished last year with our road record, this was a game we wanted to come out, make a statement and win," said Jazz guard Deron Williams, who had 28 points and 13 assists. "They won the division last year and this was a big game for us."

For long stretches it looked like the undermanned Jazz would steal a win when they built a 70-62 lead in the third. But the Nuggets, who reached the Western Conference finals last season for the first time in 24 years, showed why they went that far in the playoffs. Billups hit three 3-pointers and then gave the Nuggets the lead for good by hitting three free throws with .4 seconds left in the third.

"They started making a little run and then I had that dumb foul before the fourth quarter," Williams said. "It kind of gave them some momentum and we never really regained it."

Both teams were shorthanded Wednesday night. Injuries allowed the Jazz to dress only 11 players for opening night, and the Nuggets were without guard J.R. Smith, who is serving a seven-game suspension after he pled guilty to reckless driving in an accident that killed his childhood friend.

In his absence, the Nuggets found another source of energy in rookie guard Ty Lawson. Looking like a veteran, Lawson, who led North Carolina to the NCAA championship last spring, had 17 points, six assists and four rebounds in his NBA debut. The 5-foot-10 guard used his quickness to get into the lane and either find open teammates or go to the basket for an easy layup.

"There is such speed to the game when Ty is on the court," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I think everyone knows that's how I want to play. He was very efficient and very effective.

He also impressed his teammates.

"No surprise to me," Billups said. "What he does is something that we need. You saw the importance of a Ty Lawson on our team tonight. When things started to break down he was able to get in there and cause a lot of problems. He can kick it out to the shooters."

Lawson said he was nervous before his first NBA game but he didn't play like it.

"First game of the year, a rookie, I didn't know how many minutes I was going to get so I was nervous," he said after logging 26 minutes. "I'm glad I got my nerves out and played well."

It helps to have plenty of veterans to follow, and none played bigger than Anthony. With Denver leading 96-88 with 6:17 left, Anthony missed a 3-pointer but then stole the ball from Paul Millsap and dunked over him, drawing a foul.

The play brought the sellout crowd to its feet and effectively ended Utah's hopes.

"I wasn't going to lay the ball up," said Anthony, who had a game-high 30 points. "I was going to dunk it."

Utah felt some lax defense contributed to Wednesday's loss.

"You're not going to win if you're not going to block people off the boards and get back and play defense," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "They went around us anytime they wanted to. We had a hard time keeping them in front of us."

For Denver, the win was more about starting well than making a statement. The Nuggets surprised many by reaching the Western Conference finals last spring as the No. 2 seed, but they know teams will be ready for them this year. So winning divisional games at home is vital.

"These games are big and they're going to, at some point, come back to haunt you if you don't take care of business, especially on your home floor," Billups said.

• Jazz: Harpring, Miles
• Nuggets: Petro

• Jazz: --
• Nuggets: --

• Lead Changes: 14
• Times Tied: 8

• Arena: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
• Officials: #26 Bob Delaney, #19 James Capers, #51 Leroy Richardson
• Attendance: 19155
• Duration: 2:36

Utah Jazz (18-17)		Denver Nuggets (22-13)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Hilario vs Okur (Kirilenko gains possession)
Williams Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Carter (1 ST)	11:39
	11:36 [DEN 2-0]	Hilario Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Carter (1 AST)
Okur Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	11:36
Team Timeout : Short	11:36
Okur Substitution replaced by Fesenko	11:36
	11:36 [DEN 3-0]	Hilario Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	11:17
	11:14	Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:54 [DEN 5-0]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)
Williams Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Boozer (1 AST)	10:33 [UTA 2-5]
	10:33	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
Kirilenko Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	10:21
	10:21	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	10:21	Team Rebound
	10:21 [DEN 6-2]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (1 PTS)
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed	10:11
	10:09	Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:58 [DEN 8-2]	Martin Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)
Fesenko Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (1 AST)	09:39 [UTA 4-8]
	09:25	Billups Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	09:24	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	09:23	Hilario Tip Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:22
Kirilenko Layup Shot: Missed	09:13
	09:11	Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Boozer Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:03
	08:49	Hilario Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:48
	08:44	Carter Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	08:44 [UTA 5-8]
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	08:44 [UTA 6-8]
	08:36 [DEN 10-6]	Carter Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	08:19
	08:17	Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	08:09 [DEN 12-6]	Anthony Jump Shot: Made (3 PTS)
Boozer Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (2 AST)	07:51 [UTA 8-12]
	07:34	Martin Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Fesenko Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Williams (3 AST)	07:15 [UTA 10-12]
	06:56	Hilario Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (4 AST)	06:47 [UTA 12-12]
	06:47	Anthony Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Kirilenko Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)	06:47 [UTA 13-12]
	06:34	Hilario Layup Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:33
Williams Turnover : Palming Turnover (2 TO)	06:29
	06:29	Team Timeout : Regular
	06:08	Carter Jump Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:07
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	05:58
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	05:57
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed Block: Martin (1 BLK)	05:55
Kirilenko Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	05:53
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Missed	05:53
Team Rebound	05:53
	05:53	Martin Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)
Boozer Substitution replaced by Price	05:53
Brewer Substitution replaced by Millsap	05:53
Price Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (5 AST)	05:44 [UTA 15-12]
	05:26	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	05:25
Millsap Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	05:14
	05:12	Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Price Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:05
	05:05	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	05:05	Team Rebound
	05:05 [DEN 13-15]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Missed	04:50
	04:49	Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:43	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
Price Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	04:42
	04:38	Billups Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Kirilenko Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	04:38 [UTA 16-13]
Fesenko Substitution replaced by Okur	04:38
Kirilenko Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	04:38 [UTA 17-13]
	04:22	Carter 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:20	Team Rebound
	04:20	Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen
	04:10	Anthony Layup Shot: Missed
	04:08	Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
Millsap Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	04:08
	04:08 [DEN 14-17]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	04:08	Carter Substitution replaced by Afflalo
	04:08 [DEN 15-17]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Okur Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (6 AST)	03:55 [UTA 19-15]
	03:55	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
Price Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	03:42
	03:42 [DEN 16-19]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	03:42	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Kirilenko Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	03:39
Millsap Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Kirilenko (1 AST)	03:27 [UTA 21-16]
	03:13 [DEN 18-21]	Anthony Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Millsap (1 AST)	02:50 [UTA 23-18]
	02:30	Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed
Kirilenko Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	02:28
Okur 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Price (1 AST)	02:18 [UTA 26-18]
	01:55	Martin Jump Shot: Missed
	01:54	Team Rebound
Team Timeout : Regular	01:54
Williams Substitution replaced by Matthews	01:54
	01:50 [DEN 20-26]	Billups Jump Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)
Millsap Jump Shot: Missed	01:24
	01:22	Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	01:12	Martin Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	01:12	Martin Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
Kirilenko Substitution replaced by Brewer	01:12
	01:12	Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario
	01:12	Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson
Millsap Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	00:53.3 [UTA 28-20]
	00:37.0	Hilario Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)
Millsap Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (1 BLK)	00:29.9
	00:27.9	Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	00:10.6 [DEN 22-28]	Anthony Running Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Brewer Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	00:10.6
	00:10.6 [DEN 23-28]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 1 (11 PTS)
Okur Running Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Price (2 AST)	00:00.0 [UTA 30-23]
	00:00.0	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
End of 1st Quarter
Utah Jazz (18-17)		Denver Nuggets (22-13)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
	11:37	Andersen Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	11:37
	11:17	Lawson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:17 [UTA 31-23]
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	11:17 [UTA 32-23]
	11:00 [DEN 25-32]	Hilario Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)
Brewer Jump Shot: Missed	10:41
	10:40	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:32 [DEN 27-32]	Graham Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (2 AST)
Brewer Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	10:32
	10:32 [DEN 28-32]	Graham Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Millsap Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hilario (1 ST)	10:08
	09:58	Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	09:57
Matthews Layup Shot: Missed Block: Graham (1 BLK)	09:53
Team Rebound	09:53
Matthews Substitution replaced by Williams	09:53
Brewer Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	09:37 [UTA 34-28]
	09:17 [DEN 30-34]	Hilario Driving Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Okur Jump Hook Shot: Missed	09:00
	08:59	Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:49	Lawson Running Jump Shot: Missed
Okur Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:48
Millsap Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	08:39
	08:39	Timeout : Official
Millsap Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	08:32
	08:32 [DEN 31-34]	Lawson Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	08:32 [DEN 32-34]	Lawson Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Williams Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)	08:13 [UTA 36-32]
Okur Foul : Defense 3 Second (1 PF)	08:04
Okur Substitution replaced by Boozer	08:04
	08:04 [DEN 33-36]	Afflalo Free Throw Technical (1 PTS)
	07:55 [DEN 35-36]	Hilario Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	07:36
	07:35	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	07:17	Andersen Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)
Price Substitution replaced by Kirilenko	07:17
	07:17	Afflalo Substitution replaced by Anthony
Williams Jump Shot: Missed	06:56
	06:54	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	06:45	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Millsap Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:45
Kirilenko Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	06:37
	06:22	Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:21
Williams Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Hilario (2 ST)	06:16
	06:11 [DEN 37-36]	Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
	05:55	Lawson Foul : Personal (2 PF)
	05:55	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:55	Hilario Substitution replaced by Martin
Millsap Substitution replaced by Okur	05:55
Okur 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Williams (7 AST)	05:42 [UTA 39-37]
	05:16	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	05:16
	05:16	Andersen Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	05:16	Graham Substitution replaced by Billups
	04:59	Andersen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	04:59 [UTA 40-37]
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	04:59
	04:57	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Okur Foul : Defense 3 Second (1 PF)	04:48
	04:48 [DEN 38-40]	Billups Free Throw Technical (4 PTS)
	04:35 [DEN 40-40]	Anthony Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Andersen (1 AST)
Martin Violation:Defensive Goaltending	04:24
Okur Reverse Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Boozer (2 AST)	04:24 [UTA 42-40]
	04:06	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed Block: Kirilenko (1 BLK)
Kirilenko Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	04:04
Boozer Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Lawson (1 ST)	03:54
	03:49	Martin Layup Shot: Missed Block: Okur (1 BLK)
	03:47	Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Williams Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	03:47
	03:47	Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	03:47	Team Rebound
	03:47	Andersen Substitution replaced by Hilario
	03:47 [DEN 41-42]	Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)
Williams Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO)	03:27
	03:19 [DEN 43-42]	Lawson Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Brewer Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (2 BLK)	02:58
Brewer Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	02:57
	02:57	Hilario Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:57
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)	02:57 [UTA 43-43]
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)	02:57 [UTA 44-43]
	02:42 [DEN 46-44]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Lawson (2 AST)
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed	02:20
	02:19	Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	02:07 [DEN 48-44]	Martin Jump Hook Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Lawson (3 AST)
Brewer Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Kirilenko (2 AST)	01:53 [UTA 46-48]
	01:31	Martin Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	01:30
Williams Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Boozer (3 AST)	01:20 [UTA 48-48]
	01:04	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	01:02
Brewer Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Williams (8 AST)	00:58.0 [UTA 50-48]
	00:58.0	Billups Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
	00:58.0	Lawson Substitution replaced by Carter
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 1 (12 PTS)	00:58.0 [UTA 51-48]
	00:44.6 [DEN 50-51]	Anthony Dunk Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)
Williams 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS)	00:37.8 [UTA 54-50]
	00:35.1 [DEN 52-54]	Billups Driving Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Williams Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:35.1
Brewer Substitution replaced by Maynor	00:35.1
	00:35.1	Billups Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Okur Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:32.9
	00:25.4	Hilario Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	00:25.4
Team Rebound	00:25.4
	00:25.4	Team Timeout : Short
Williams Substitution replaced by Matthews	00:25.4
	00:25.4	Carter Substitution replaced by Afflalo
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	00:25.4 [UTA 55-52]
	00:04.6 [DEN 54-55]	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS)
End of 2nd Quarter
Utah Jazz (18-17)		Denver Nuggets (22-13)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
	11:46	Hilario Turnover : Backcourt Turnover (3 TO)
Brewer Jump Shot: Missed	11:34
	11:34	Team Rebound
	11:16 [DEN 57-55]	Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Carter (2 AST)
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Okur (1 AST)	10:59 [UTA 57-57]
	10:32	Anthony Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:31
	10:12	Carter Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Instant Replay - Support Ruling	10:12
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)	10:12 [UTA 58-57]
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)	10:12 [UTA 59-57]
	10:02	Hilario Jump Shot: Missed
	10:00	Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	10:00	Martin Tip Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	09:59
Brewer Layup Shot: Missed Block: Anthony (1 BLK)	09:57
Team Rebound	09:57
Kirilenko Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Boozer (4 AST)	09:53 [UTA 61-57]
	09:39	Carter Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Missed
	09:39	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)
Boozer Foul : Personal (2 PF)	09:39
	09:39	Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	09:39	Team Rebound
	09:39 [DEN 58-61]	Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
	09:25	Anthony Foul : Personal (2 PF)
	09:23	Hilario Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Kirilenko Dunk Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Williams (9 AST)	09:15 [UTA 63-58]
	09:01	Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	08:43
	08:42	Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	08:38 [DEN 60-63]	Martin Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Carter (3 AST)
Williams 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS)	08:26 [UTA 66-60]
	08:09	Martin Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)
Kirilenko 3pt Shot: Missed	07:53
	07:52	Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	07:42 [DEN 62-66]	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (22 PTS)
Williams Jump Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Kirilenko (3 AST)	07:25 [UTA 68-62]
	07:14	Anthony Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Boozer (1 ST)
Okur Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	07:06
	06:52	Carter Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
Okur Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:50
Williams Driving Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS)	06:41 [UTA 70-62]
	06:40	Team Timeout : Regular
	06:25	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Okur Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	06:23
Williams Jump Shot: Missed	06:10
	06:08	Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	05:58 [DEN 64-70]	Martin Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Anthony (3 AST)
Williams 3pt Shot: Missed	05:34
	05:34	Team Rebound
	05:20	Martin Jump Shot: Missed
	05:20	Team Rebound
Okur Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)	05:20
	05:12	Carter Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
	05:11	Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)
	05:11 [DEN 66-70]	Anthony Putback Slam Dunk Shot: Made (24 PTS)
Team Turnover : 5 Second Violation	04:51
	04:36 [DEN 69-70]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Carter (4 AST)
Boozer Turnover : Step Out of Bounds Turnover (2 TO)	04:27
Boozer Substitution replaced by Millsap	04:27
	04:10	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:09	Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:2)
	04:03	Martin Jump Hook Shot: Missed
	04:03	Hilario Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	04:03	Jump Ball Hilario vs Millsap (Carter gains possession)
	03:53 [DEN 72-70]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Carter (5 AST)
Williams Running Bank shot: Made (22 PTS)	03:43 [UTA 72-72]
	03:43	Hilario Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Brewer Substitution replaced by Price	03:43
	03:43	Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen
Okur Violation:Double Lane	03:43
Jump Ball Andersen vs Okur (Martin gains possession)	03:43
Okur Turnover : Lane Violation (2 TO)	03:43
	03:34	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
	03:33	Martin Rebound (Off:5 Def:2)
	03:30	Martin Layup Shot: Missed Block: Millsap (1 BLK)
Millsap Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	03:28
Price Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	03:19 [UTA 74-72]
	03:07 [DEN 74-74]	Billups Jump Bank Shot: Made (17 PTS)
Kirilenko Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)	02:57
Team Timeout : Regular	02:57
Okur Substitution replaced by Fesenko	02:57
	02:57	Carter Substitution replaced by Lawson
	02:39	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed
Millsap Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	02:37
	02:27	Billups Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (23 PTS)	02:27 [UTA 75-74]
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (24 PTS)	02:27 [UTA 76-74]
	02:07 [DEN 77-76]	Billups 3pt Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Lawson (4 AST)
Millsap Driving Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Price (3 AST)	01:39 [UTA 78-77]
	01:30	Billups 3pt Shot: Missed
Fesenko Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:29
Williams Turnover : Traveling (5 TO)	01:27
	01:27	Anthony Substitution replaced by Afflalo
Kirilenko Substitution replaced by Brewer	01:15
	01:15	Jump Ball Martin vs Price (Martin gains possession)
	01:11	Jump Ball Martin vs Brewer (Billups gains possession)
	01:03	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
Brewer Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	01:03
Millsap Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Williams (10 AST)	00:48.9 [UTA 80-77]
	00:42.2 [DEN 79-80]	Martin Slam Dunk Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Lawson (5 AST)
Williams Jump Shot: Missed	00:34.8
	00:34.5	Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	00:26.9	Billups Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	00:25.9
Millsap Jump Shot: Missed	00:02.8
	00:02.1	Team Rebound
Williams Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	00:00.4
	00:00.4	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
	00:00.4 [DEN 80-80]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 3 (21 PTS)
	00:00.4 [DEN 81-80]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 3 (22 PTS)
	00:00.4 [DEN 82-80]	Billups Free Throw 3 of 3 (23 PTS)
End of 3rd Quarter
Utah Jazz (18-17)		Denver Nuggets (22-13)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
Brewer Jump Shot: Missed	11:48
Millsap Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	11:46
Millsap Tip Shot: Missed	11:46
	11:45	Martin Rebound (Off:5 Def:3)
Millsap Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	11:41
	11:41 [DEN 83-80]	Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (24 PTS)
	11:41 [DEN 84-80]	Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (25 PTS)
Okur Jump Shot: Missed Block: Billups (1 BLK)	11:17
Okur Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	11:16
Okur Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	11:13
	11:12	Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Brewer Foul : Personal (3 PF)	11:07
	10:54 [DEN 86-80]	Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Brewer Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	10:39
	10:28 [DEN 88-80]	Lawson Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Okur Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	10:28
	10:28	Billups Substitution replaced by Anthony
Maynor Substitution replaced by Kirilenko	10:28
	10:28 [DEN 89-80]	Lawson Free Throw 1 of 1 (11 PTS)
Kirilenko Jump Shot: Missed	10:11
Brewer Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	10:10
Kirilenko Layup Shot: Missed	09:52
	09:51	Martin Rebound (Off:5 Def:4)
	09:47	Afflalo Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	09:47	Afflalo Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
	09:47	Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario
Brewer Substitution replaced by Boozer	09:47
Okur Substitution replaced by Williams	09:47
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	09:36
	09:36	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	09:27	Afflalo Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Williams (1 ST)
Boozer Jump Shot: Missed	09:17
	09:17	Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	09:11	Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Price (1 ST)
Price 3pt Shot: Missed	09:03
	09:02	Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	08:56 [DEN 91-80]	Lawson Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS)
	08:50	Afflalo Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Timeout : Official	08:50
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (25 PTS)	08:50 [UTA 81-91]
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (26 PTS)	08:50 [UTA 82-91]
Kirilenko Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	08:33
	08:33	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	08:33	Team Rebound
	08:33 [DEN 92-82]	Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (25 PTS)
Boozer Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Williams (11 AST)	08:18 [UTA 84-92]
	07:57 [DEN 94-84]	Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (27 PTS)
Williams Jump Bank Shot: Made (28 PTS)	07:43 [UTA 86-94]
	07:21	Andersen Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	07:20
Price Jump Shot: Missed	07:10
	07:10	Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	07:03 [DEN 96-86]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Anthony (4 AST)
Williams Jump Shot: Missed	06:45
Kirilenko Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	06:44
Millsap Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Kirilenko (4 AST)	06:41 [UTA 88-96]
	06:20	Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed
Millsap Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	06:19
Millsap Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)	06:17
	06:17 [DEN 98-88]	Anthony Slam Dunk Shot: Made (29 PTS)
Millsap Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	06:17
	06:17	Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin
Price Substitution replaced by Brewer	06:17
	06:17 [DEN 99-88]	Anthony Free Throw 1 of 1 (30 PTS)
Millsap Driving Layup Shot: Missed	05:56
	05:53	Martin Rebound (Off:5 Def:5)
	05:45	Lawson Running Jump Shot: Missed
	05:45	Martin Rebound (Off:6 Def:5)
	05:45 [DEN 101-88]	Martin Putback Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:39
Millsap Substitution replaced by Okur	05:39
Okur Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	05:23
	05:23	Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)
	05:01 [DEN 103-88]	Afflalo Jump Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Anthony (5 AST)
Okur 3pt Shot: Missed	04:46
	04:44	Hilario Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	04:29	Lawson Layup Shot: Missed
	04:27	Hilario Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	04:27 [DEN 105-88]	Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (15 PTS)
Boozer Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	04:27
	04:27 [DEN 106-88]	Hilario Free Throw 1 of 1 (16 PTS)
Brewer 3pt Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Williams (12 AST)	04:09 [UTA 91-106]
	03:53 [DEN 108-91]	Martin Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Lawson (6 AST)
	03:43	Hilario Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Brewer Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	03:43
Team Rebound	03:43
Brewer Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)	03:43 [UTA 92-108]
	03:22	Anthony Jump Shot: Missed
Boozer Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	03:21
Kirilenko 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Williams (13 AST)	03:15 [UTA 95-108]
	03:15	Hilario Foul : Loose Ball (6 PF)
	03:15	Hilario Substitution replaced by Billups
Okur Free Throw 1 of 1 (13 PTS)	03:15 [UTA 96-108]
	02:53	Anthony Foul : Offensive (3 PF)
	02:53	Anthony Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
	02:53	Team Timeout : Regular
Okur Jump Shot: Missed	02:29
Boozer Rebound (Off:2 Def:8)	02:29
	02:29	Billups Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	02:29
Team Rebound	02:29
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	02:29 [UTA 97-108]
	02:10	Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed
	02:09	Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	01:51	Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed
Okur Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	01:50
Boozer Layup Shot: Missed	01:36
Boozer Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)	01:36
Boozer Tip Shot: Made (8 PTS)	01:36 [UTA 99-108]
	01:20 [DEN 110-99]	Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (15 PTS)
Williams Driving Layup Shot: Missed	01:14
Team Rebound	01:13
	01:13	Martin Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)	01:13 [UTA 100-110]
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)	01:13 [UTA 101-110]
	00:55.9	Lawson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Boozer (1 BLK)
	00:54.6	Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	00:54.6 [DEN 112-101]	Lawson Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS)
	00:45.8	Billups Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Boozer Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)	00:45.8 [UTA 102-112]
Kirilenko Substitution replaced by Koufos	00:45.8
Okur Substitution replaced by Fesenko	00:45.8
Brewer Substitution replaced by Matthews	00:45.8
Williams Substitution replaced by Maynor	00:45.8
	00:45.8	Anthony Substitution replaced by Graham
	00:45.8	Lawson Substitution replaced by Andersen
Boozer Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	00:45.8 [UTA 103-112]
	00:25.3	Billups Jump Shot: Missed
	00:24.3	Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	00:24.3 [DEN 114-103]	Andersen Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Koufos Jump Shot: Missed	00:12.9
Fesenko Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	00:11.9
Fesenko Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	00:10.9 [UTA 105-114]
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			ESPN	National	Final
		--	ASE	Local	Final
			SCORE	Local	Final
		--	FSR-UT	Local	Final