Nikola Jokic finally gets a break in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets defeat the Jazz

Nikola Jokic, playing for the second straight game this week and already averaging 39.2 minutes in five games this season, seemed determined to finally secure a fourth quarter on the bench.

Jokic scored 18 of his 27 points in the third quarter as the Nuggets turned a single-digit halftime lead into a 129-103 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, capping a five-game home stretch at Ball Arena. It was their first regular win of the 2024/25 season and their first lead after the first quarter.

Jokic made 10 of 18 field shots, which contributed to his 16 rebounds and nine assists, and played just under 30 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. had an efficient outing with 20 points on 4-for-6 outside shooting. And Christian Braun continued to demonstrate his seamless two-way fit in the starting lineup with 17 points, three assists and two steals.

Twenty-four hours after topping 21 points from the 3-point line in a dramatic loss at Minnesota, the Nuggets (3-3) rebounded with their best perimeter attack performance yet. They knocked down 16 of 32 attempts, including three from Julian Strawther in a 17-point effort off the bench.

Garbage time isn't insignificant when a team's second unit hasn't been able to buy a basket all season. With Jokic providing a 24-point cushion, Saturday's fourth quarter was a valuable collection of minutes for the confidence of Denver's struggling backups. In fact, it was her first opportunity to ever play trash with a lead role. Peyton Watson, as a rim runner, saw the ball hit a few times. Michael Malone's young cast was able to work on chemistry with Russell Westbrook. Hunter Tyson scored the highest score of his career after debuting as the 10th man in Michael Malone's rotation on Friday. Jokic never had to take off his overshirt.