Jamal Murray, Nuggets survive gripping overtime session, Donovan Mitchell’s 57 in Game 1 win

In case there was any question whether NBA playoff tension would translate to the bubble, Monday’s Game 1 between the Nuggets and the Jazz delivered with a resounding yes.

A gripping, dramatic opener turned into a riveting overtime affair that the Nuggets’ young stars weren’t going to lose. Jamal Murray ripped the game from Utah star Donovan Mitchell’s clutches, and poured in 10 points in the extra session to carry the Nuggets to a 135-125 victory.

“We’re growing accustomed to seeing that, from him and Nikola,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “Just a hell of a game.”

Game 2, if either team has anything left, is Wednesday.

Murray finished with 36 points, including six 3-pointers, outlasting Mitchell’s career-high 57 points. No defensive scheme or player came close to impeding the Jazz’s sensational star. The 57 points was the third highest scoring total in NBA postseason history.

Nuggets franchise center Nikola Jokic finished with 29 points and four 3-pointers, but missed what would’ve been the game-winning look in regulation over Utah’s Rudy Gobert. Jokic aided Murray’s overtime attack with a clutch 3-pointer of his own.

The shot-making from both teams, in their creativity and level of difficulty, was stunning, especially for a Game 1. Though Murray seized the overtime session, it was Denver’s defense that halted any Utah momentum. The Nuggets forced three consecutive turnovers in overtime as Murray continued his assault on the other end.

“Honestly, you could have 75 or 80 (points),” Murray said. “Winning is the most important. You are scoring to win. You are getting stops to win. Winning is the priority. Stats is never on my mind.”

That the Jazz made it close, without starting point guard Mike Conley, who left the bubble for the birth of his son Sunday, suggests a dramatic series moving forward.

“We’re going to watch film tomorrow,” Malone said. “We’re not satisfied. …This is just one step in a very long series.”

The Nuggets came out flat in the third quarter after sinking a franchise-record 11 3-pointers in the first half. Mitchell swiveled in and out of Denver’s defense, which was already compromised from injuries. Foul trouble to Torrey Craig didn’t help, and neither did the injury absences of Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (knee). Wily veteran Joe Ingles exposed Michael Porter Jr.’s defense and burned the Nuggets for 19 points.

Mitchell spearheaded Utah’s 31-point third quarter, which featured devilish finishes, while Rudy Gobert’s patented screen assists set the foundation for so many of Utah’s actions. With Denver’s offense momentarily out of sync, Monte Morris’ steady play kept it close. He had several physical finishes inside to trim the deficit to 83-78 heading into the fourth.

Murray’s series seemed to start late in the second quarter when Denver’s emotional point guard could be heard audibly yelling on the broadcast. First Utah reserve Jordan Clarkson picked up a technical foul, seemingly displeased with an official’s call, and that was followed shortly thereafter by another from Jazz coach Quin Snyder. The technicals were sandwiched in between Murray’s personal 12-point run that spanned just 1:25. After a 3-pointer capped his spurt and prompted a Jazz timeout, Murray tossed a fiery glance toward Utah’s bench.

If Jokic is Denver’s floor leader, Murray is their emotional touchstone.

On Monday, they were not going to be denied.