Denver star Simmons led his team to a win today in a key game against Utah. Although standings were at stake, the game was as much about bragging rights as anything. The teams have a long history against each other that began when coaches Bob and Coach Young traded insults after an apparently intentional injury to one of Bob's players. Although Coach Young has long denied that there was any malicious intent, Denver fans don't believe it and turn out in large numbers whenever Utah comes to town.

Denver was led by Simmons (15 points, 12 boards, 0 assists, 5 blocks), Beard (26 points, 2 steals), Stith (11 points, 0 assists, a steal). Utah was led by Brown (22 points, 8 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Williams (21 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Banks (23 points, a steal, 2 blocks).

Denver jump to 46-17. They remain at #1 in the Northwest and hold at #2 overall in the Western Conference. With the loss, Utah are now 23-40 and 14-17 at home. They hold at #4 in the Northwest and remain at #10 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Denver roster Utah* roster