Jazz Beat Nuggets 109-97 in Preseason Opener

The Utah Jazz opened the 2026–27 preseason with a 109–97 win over Denver, as Lauri Markkanen scored 17 points in limited minutes and Keyonte George added 15. No. 2 draft pick Darryn Peterson started his NBA debut, scoring three points on 1-for-5 shooting, while Utah recorded 28 assists. The game offered an early glimpse of a roster built around Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and young talent, but was only a preseason indicator of the team’s potential. After years of rebuilding, Utah hopes its veteran additions and developing players can push it toward playoff contention, though its defense remains a question: Walker Kessler’s departure leaves the center rotation unsettled and the team without a clear shot-blocking anchor.