The Denver Nuggets lost to the Utah Jazz in the season finale, 107-103, but it was an injury in the second quarter that concerned the team more. Ty Lawson went down with a sprained ankle and did not return to the game. However, head coach George Karl expects Lawson to be ready for game one of the playoffs.
With a little over five minutes left in the game, J.R. Smith sank a 21-foot jumper to tie the game at 95 all. That lead extended to 103-99 with two minutes left to play, but Al Harrington's three that gave the Nuggets a four-point lead was the last shot the team made. Gordon Hayward made four free throws for the Jazz, while Devin Harris and Al Jefferson each made a field goal.
Wilson Chandler led the Nuggets with 27 points. Gary Forbes started, played 42 minutes and finished with 17 points. Al Harrington added 15 points and Kosta Koufos put up 14 points. All four of them grabbed six rebounds. Ty Lawson would likely have joined the double-digit points parade had he not left due to injury. He, Chandler, Forbes and Harrington each dished the ball out for three assists. J.R. Smith added 14 points off the bench, and Chris Andersen pulled down 10 boards.
For the Jazz, Hayward had a game-high 34 points, while Al Jefferson had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
With the loss the Nuggets finished the season at 50-32 and had wrapped up the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings several days ago. They will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder to open the playoffs. For more on the Nuggets, please visit Denver Stiffs.