Nuggets Cruise Past Jazz 117-106 as Preseason Under Cashes Comfortably

The Nuggets handled business in Salt Lake City, cruising to a 117-106 victory while keeping the scoreboard exactly where DarkHorse AI predicted it would be. Our under 230.5 wasn't just good—it was a comfortable winner by 7.5 points, cashing with room to spare at 223 total points.

The handicap nailed the script: preseason rotations ran deep, starters logged their obligatory 20-ish minutes, and both benches got extended auditions that turned the second half into a grinder. Even without Jamal Murray's 25 PPG, Denver had enough firepower to control tempo and dictate terms against a Jazz squad clearly prioritizing player evaluation over offensive efficiency.

Utah kept it respectable through three quarters but never threatened, and the disjointed possessions we forecasted showed up right on schedule. Camp bodies got their touches, offensive sets looked predictably clunky, and neither coaching staff showed any urgency to push pace or hunt quick buckets. Exactly the kind of preseason slog that keeps totals suppressed.

Denver moves to 2-1 in exhibitions while the Jazz continue tinkering with lineups. But the real winner tonight? Anyone who trusted the process and faded the scoreboard. Preseason fundamentals remain undefeated, and this under never broke a sweat.