Collin Sexton Hits Step Back Triple During Jazz-Nuggets Game

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz guard Collin Sexton hit a tough step back for three points over back-to-back reigning MVP Nikola Jokic during Utah’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

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

With 4:39 to go in the third quarter, Sexton went one-on-one with Jokic. The new Jazzman created space in the far corner with a step back before letting loose on a shot attempt that sailed through the cylinder.

Sexton’s shot cut Denver’s lead to 78-65.

😈 step back sexton 😈#TakeNote | @CollinSexton02 pic.twitter.com/fMSGxPdthd

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 29, 2022

At the end of the quarter, the Jazz trail the Nuggets, 89-78. Sexton had 13 points on 5-9 shooting, including 1-4 from beyond the arc. He added one assist and a steal in 13 minutes on the hardwood. All 13 of Sexton’s points came during the third quarter.

This season, Sexton is averaging 10.6 points per game on 42.1 percent shooting, including 30.0 percent from three.

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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