By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokić and Jaxson Hayes were at the center of attention as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 117-106 in preseason action.
The game featured plenty of physicality, with Jokić particularly frustrated by Utah’s defensive approach. The Serbian center was repeatedly challenged physically before an incident with Hayes brought the tension to a new level.
During one exchange, Hayes shoved Jokić, who immediately responded by pushing the Jazz big man back. Jokić was assessed a technical foul for his reaction, while the incident was quickly broken up.
The three-time MVP played 16 minutes, finishing with six points, four rebounds and five assists. Denver controlled the game after halftime and secured its first preseason victory.
Hayes finished with seven points, four rebounds and a block in 14 minutes for Utah, while rookie Darryn Peterson led the Jazz with 23 points.
Elsewhere, the Brooklyn Nets cruised past the Charlotte Hornets 124-90. Russian Egor Dëmin started and recorded six points and five assists.
French guard Nolan Traoré scored 10 points in just 10 minutes, while Ben Saraf added eight. Charlotte’s Tidjane Salaün played 28 minutes and scored six, while German prospect Hannes Steinbach had seven points, and Dennis Schroder five.
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated Oklahoma City 116-110, with Croatian big man Karlo Matković contributing three points, three rebounds, two steals and a block. Spanish center Aday Mara had 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks for the Thunder.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to Golden State 124-98, with Luka Dončić sitting out. Georgian forward Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 15 points for Los Angeles, including three three-pointers.
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