Jazz Forward Jarred Vanderbilt Throws Down Mean Dunk On Nuggets

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz forward Jarred Vanderbilt rocked the rim with a left-handed slam dunk off a pick-and-roll during Utah’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets hosted the Jazz at Ball Arena on Friday, October 28.

With 10:49 remaining in the first half, Talen Horton-Tucker and Vanderbilt ran a beautiful pick-and-roll that result with Kentucky product rolling to the rim for a jam.

Vanderbilt’s bucket cut Denver’s lead over Utah to 38-31.

VANDO
U
N
K#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/98ltEAEFQa

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 29, 2022

During his first 13 minutes on the court, Vanderbilt had six points on 3-4 shooting. He added two rebounds, one assist, and a block.

This season, Vanderbilt is averaging 9.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.4 blocks, and 2.0 steals in 24.4 minutes per contest.

just a couple kids from Texas 🖤#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/haqBTon7Kp

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 29, 2022

Utah’s game against Denver is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

📻 LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @nuggets on the @kslsports app, https://t.co/4kU961UAvR, and @KSLSportsZone. 🎷⛏️🏀#TakeNote #UTAvsDEN https://t.co/dCNNxuVTB8 pic.twitter.com/zIE0XCnVIa

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 29, 2022

Jazz vs. Nuggets

Multiple Jazz players won’t suit up for Utah’s road game in the Mile High City, a couple of which due to the NBA’s Health & Safety Protocols for COVID-19.

Forwards Rudy Gay and Simone Fontecchio were ruled out by the Jazz because of the protocols.

In addition to those players, first-year center Walker Kessler is out due to a non-COVID-19 illness.

UPDATE: The @utahjazz announced that Walker Kessler is OUT (illness) and Collin Sexton is available to play (left oblique contusion). #TakeNote @BensHoops https://t.co/hs8T1oO5JS

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 28, 2022

Two-way rookie Johnny Juzang is currently with the Salt Lake City Stars.

First Five Games

The Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers are the two hottest teams in the Western Conference opening the season 4-1.

The Blazers stood alone atop the West until they fell to the Miami Heat on Wednesday night at home.

The Jazz meanwhile avenged Monday’s loss in Houston with a 109-101 victory over the Rockets in Salt Lake City before setting off for a one-game road trip against the Nuggets.

Lauri Markkanen is having a career-year in Utah averaging 22.0 points and 8.8 rebounds in dive appearances with the Jazz.

Guard Jordan Clarkson is also experiencing career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, and three-point percentage as a full-time starter for the Jazz.

Markkanen and Clarkson combined for 44 points in the Jazz win over the Rockets.

🤓Hoops school is in session🤓

Throughout the season, @BensHoops will grade the @utahjazz on these four factors.

Full report card: https://t.co/vuhT8kSvPl#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/wmNn7TiRyc

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 28, 2022

Nuggets Trying To Find Footing

The Nuggets are off to a bit of a wobbly start to open the season at 3-2.

Denver has lost to both the Jazz and the Trail Blazers in blowout fashion, but has recorded wins over the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and most recently the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

The Nuggets own the seventh-worst defensive rating entering Friday night’s game against the Jazz and have given up 123 points or more in three of their five outings.

Gameday info ℹ️ #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/hzV42GhmXm

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 28, 2022

Denver’s normally high-powered offense has struggled this season since welcoming back Jamal Murray (knee) and Michael Porter Jr. (back surgery) from serious injuries last season.

Superstar center Nikola Jokic’s scoring is down nearly five full points from his average last season, though he’s averaging a career-high 9.4 assists through five games.

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