SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Bryon Russell scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half Monday night as the Utah Jazz continued their home dominance of the Denver Nuggets with a 106-97 victory.
In the playoffs each of the last 19 seasons, the Jazz started slowly this campaign, losing 11 of their first 17 games. But Utah has gone 14-6 since that start, moving a season-high three games over .500.
Russell was one of the keys in the Jazz' latest victory as his big first half helped Utah open a 56-44 lead. The Jazz led the entire second half.
Karl Malone scored 26 points to lead the Jazz, who beat Denver at the Delta Center for the 11th straight time, dating to Dec. 7, 1996.
Nick Van Exel scored 26 points and rookie Chris Anderson, playing in just his third game, added a season-high 17 for the Nuggets.
Denver has lost 11 of its last 13 games overall and at 11-25 has the worst record in the Western Conference.
