SALT LAKE CITY: Ty Lawson had 23 points and nine assists and the Denver Nuggets ended a three-game losing streak despite playing without injured stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, beating the Utah Jazz 105-95 on Saturday night

The Nuggets compensated for missing such a huge chunk of their offense with gritty defense, forcing Utah into a season-high 26 turnovers.

Nene added 22 points and Kenyon Martin finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Denver.

Carlos Boozer had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Jazz, who compounded their own struggles with a bad night at the free throw line and forcing up outside shots.