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Jazz strive more 'cohesion,' face Nuggets' having a hard time defense

The Utah Jazz have gone from contender to reconstructing in just four seasons, however there is expect the young group looking for its footing. The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, won the title two seasons earlier and are still in their champion window.

The two rivals meet for the 3rd time this season when the Nuggets check out Salt Lake City on Monday night.

Utah, which has lost 3 straight and has simply seven wins in 30 games, is among the youngest teams in the NBA but has tried to assemble pieces for the future. The Jazz are also attempting to establish their core, and in spite of the poor record feel that there is reason for optimism.

Utah is coming off a three-point home loss to Philadelphia but won roadway games at Detroit and Brooklyn prior to its three-game skid. Coach Will Hardy is encouraged by his team's recent play.

The cohesion of the group on both sides of the ball has actually grown a lot in the last number of weeks, Hardy said after Saturday's 114-111 loss to the 76ers. I think the manner in which our team is interacting with each other has actually continued to grow. I think we're playing some excellent basketball.

The Jazz typical 110.6 points per video game, 21st in the NBA, and have 6 players averaging double digits in scoring, led by Lauri Markkanen at 19.7 points a. night. John Collins (17.7 ), Collin Sexton (17.3) and Keyonte George (16.2 ). give Utah a well balanced scoring attack, while oft-mentioned trade target Jordan. Clarkson is scoring 15.3 ppg. Walker Kessler offers Utah 10.3 points and a. team-high 10.9 rebounds per contest.

Denver has battled with consistency this season, most significantly on the. defensive side of the ball. The Nuggets permitted a season-high 149 indicate. Cleveland in Friday's loss and followed that up with the Pistons scoring 32. points in the 4th quarter to almost remove a 25-point deficit.

The defense was solid through the first three quarters against Detroit on. Saturday night but ended up being leaking with the reserves trying to liquidate the. 134-121 win.

That side of the ball is one reason why Denver is just four games above.500. Making matters worse, Aaron Gordon is anticipated to miss his 3rd straight game. with an ideal calf strain, the second time he has dealt with the injury, and. Jamal Murray has actually been banged up most of the season.

But Murray, who scored 34 points in the win over Detroit (his very first 30-point. game of the season), sees advantages from his group.

I can see from the start of the season to now we have not been fantastic. Everybody is starting to finally click, everyone is beginning to be more. comfy, he said. I wouldn't say it's simply me. For me, I 'd like to make. shots every night, male. I strive to make shots every night, but I can still. impact the game if I'm not making shots.

The Nuggets rely heavily on their beginners for offense, beginning with Nikola. Jokic, who leads the group in scoring (30.8 ), rebounding (12.5) and assists. ( 9.5 ). Murray is second in scoring average at 19.8 ppg and Michael Porter Jr. is balancing 18.6 ppg.

Denver is 2-0 against Utah this season, winning 129-103 in your home on Nov. 2 and. 122-103 on the road on Nov. 27.

-- Field Level Media

(source: Reuters)