SALT LAKE CITY – Jamal Murray’s storybook return was undone against the same team where his legend first grew: the Utah Jazz.
Playing in his first game since April 12, 2021, when he tore his ACL and underwent a grueling year-and-a-half rehab, Murray had bursts but the Nuggets’ defense was so underwhelming it didn’t matter here Wednesday night. The Jazz upset the Nuggets, 123-102, as Denver opened its season with a resounding dud.
Murray managed 12 points, including a handful of athletic plays that made you believe he wasn’t dwelling on his devastating injury. Two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who was mistakenly introduced to the crowd pre-game as Nikola Jokovic, poured in 27 on 12-of-17 shooting. And Michael Porter Jr., playing his first game since his third back surgery early last season, finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.
