The Denver Nuggets are started the season off on the right foot on Monday with a decisive win over the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, and could be on their way to a 2-0 start after a quality opening quarter vs. the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets lead 28-23 behind eight points and four rebounds from star big man Nene Hilario. Utah was led by Al Jefferson, who finished with 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists in the opening quarter.
Denver held significant edges in shooting percentage and rebounding. Utah shot just 9-of-23 from the field, good for 39.1%. Denver hit 50 percent of their field goals in the first quarter, finishing 9-of-18.
Ty Lawson scored eight for the Nuggets in the quarter on 3-of-5 shooting. Paul Milsap came off the bench to score seven points for the Jazz.
For more on this game, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Jazz blog SLC Dunk. To keep up with the new season, head over to SB Nation NBA.