SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – Without injured stars Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson, the Utah Jazz had little chance against the Denver Nuggets and lost for the sixth time in their last seven games.

Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Nuggets to a 122-103 win on Wednesday night at Delta Center.

Jokic scored 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting in the first quarter alone, helping Denver rally from an early 12-point deficit.

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Jamal Murray contributed 22 points, eight assists and four steals for the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. had 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Christian Braun finished with 18 points and seven boards.

Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 26 points. Keyonte George scored 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Walker Kessler contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Denver opened up a close game with a 21-4 run from midway through the second quarter through the third quarter. With three baskets each, Murray and Porter fueled the spurt that gave the Nuggets a 70-53 lead.

Utah trailed by double digits the rest of the way.

Jokic proved to be too much for the undermanned Jazz. Its efficient offense helped Denver turn a sluggish start into a stunning victory.

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Micah Potter and Svi Mykhailiuk made their first starts of the season. They combined for 16 points and Potter grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds.

After George tied it with a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter, the Nuggets held the Jazz to two baskets during an eight-minute stretch that spanned the second and third quarters.

Denver scored 28 points off 18 turnovers at Utah. Takeaways also helped the Nuggets score 33 fast break points.

Next up, the Jazz host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.

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