For the sixth time in team history and the first time since 2018, Denver started 4-0.

If the Nuggets have a title hangover, it hasn’t manifested up yet.

The Nuggets defeated Utah 110–102 on Monday night, and while it wasn’t always a flashy game, they won when it counted. They are now 4-0 for the first time since 2018 and for the sixth time in the team’s history.

Denver has trailed for only four minutes and 33 seconds in the first four games. In the first minute of the game, the Nuggets trailed by only 16 seconds, 3-2.

The Nuggets, who were playing back-to-back games after blowing out the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Sunday, appeared to be on the point of blowing out Utah several times but never put together a prolonged run, thanks in part to their poor free-throw shooting (7 for 17).

Despite this, Denver’s defense kept the Jazz off balance for the majority of the game, restricting them to 42.9% shooting and blocking eight shots.

Denver was led by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, who both scored 27 and 20 points in their 600th career game. Jokic added 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his second triple-double of the season and the 107th of his career, tying him for fourth all-time with LeBron James and Jason Kidd.

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Collin Sexton’s 3-pointer cut the Jazz’s advantage to 85-80 with 9:06 left in the game, but Denver replied with an 8-2 run highlighted by two breakaway dunks by Gordon.

With 1:46 remaining, Utah trimmed the advantage to 103-98, but Jokic raced inside for a layup and was fouled, making the free throw to complete the three-point play.

Lauri Markkanen, a Utah All-Star power forward, led the team with 27 points, scoring both inside and outside.

The Nuggets’ five blocked shots stood out in the first half, helping the Jazz go into the locker room down 58-45 after shooting just 37% from the field and making only 6 of 11 foul shots.

Denver led the Jazz 31-21 after the first quarter, suffocating them with tenacious defense and putting on an offensive masterclass.

The Nuggets shot 59.1% (13 for 22) in the quarter, while the Jazz shot 36.4%. Jamal Murray (18 points, 14 assists) was a force on both ends of the court, scoring nine points and blocking two attempts. The highlight of the quarter was a beautiful pass from Jokic to Murray, who finished with a one-handed, scooping layup.

The Nuggets will play at Minnesota on Wednesday night.