It's no surprise that this series reached Game 7, though the journey there has been odd. Denver prevailed in overtime in Game 1 before the Jazz took three straight by an average of nearly 23 points. Utah squandered a 15-point lead in the second half of Game 5, which allowed Denver to rally and ultimately tie the series. The Nuggets are the trendy pick, but Jazz star Donovan Mitchell appears determined to emerge as one of the game's top closers. He can enter the discussion with a huge performance Tuesday that keeps the franchise perfect when holding a 3-1 lead in a series.

The Nuggets are riding momentum into Game 7 after being down 3-1 and tying the series at 3-3. Jamal Murray has been huge, but improved defense also has been key. In Game 6, Denver defended the pick-and-roll better than it has all series. The Jazz shot a series-worst 45 percent from the field. Denver's defensive anchor, Gary Harris, returned from injury and his 20 minutes of perimeter play made the difference. Look for the Nuggets to cap off the 3-1 comeback by winning Game 7 on Tuesday.

The Nuggets took the series opener but appeared dead in the water after losing the next three contests. However, Jamal Murray continued his offensive onslaught to help Denver force a Game 7, which will be won by the team with the hotter shooter. While Utah's Donovan Mitchell has scored 51 or more points twice and is averaging 38.7, Murray has produced a pair of 50-point efforts while totaling 142 over the last three games. Look for Denver to become the 12th team to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

With their backs up against the wall, the Nuggets have won two straight over the Jazz to force a deciding Game 7 in this Western Conference first-round series Tuesday. Jamal Murray has put Denver on his back, scoring at least 42 points in three straight games. While Donovan Mitchell has been almost as special for Utah, the Nuggets have the momentum and I thought that they were the better team heading into the series. I’ll take them to make it three straight wins to advance to the second round.