NBA Recap: Utah Jazz snap six-game losing streak beating the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Utah Jazz snapped a six-game losing streak by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-100 on Friday night at Energy Solutions Arena.
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan stated, "When you have lost six straight, the most important thing is we won the game. We need everyone to play well for us to be able to get a win with D-Will out and some guys getting banged up."
Paul Millsap played like an MVP as he added a game-high 30 points for the Jazz.
Andrei Kirilenko scored a season-high 27 points for Utah, winning their 28th game of the season.
Earl Watson, starting for the injured Deron Williams, had his first double-double of the 2010-11 season with 10 points and a career-high 13 assists. In addition, Utah got 22 points from C.J. Miles in a reserve role.
Kevin Love achieved his 32nd straight double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota, who are now 2-22 on the road.
Michael Beasley had his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have dropped 11 of their last 12 games.
Wesley Johnson added 19 points off the bench while Darko Milicic ended with 11 points for Minnesota.
The Jazz put together a 17-2 run to take a 30-19 lead with three seconds remaining in the first quarter. Utah maintained a 32-25 advantage into the second.
It was the first time the Jazz won the first quarter (32-25 on Friday) since they last won a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers two weeks ago.
The Timberwolves got back into the game in the second quarter as Utah played sloppy basketball, missing some very easy shots. Minnesota closed to within 58-55 at halftime.
Trailing by three points, Utah dominated offensively in the third quarter. The Jazz responded with eight points, taking an 85-77 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Utah’s point guard Earl Watson said, "They made a good push," "It is the National Basketball Association and everyone are talented, but at the same time we are at home and know what we are capable of doing. You never panic but you always try to get a sense
of urgency. We stayed in, kept pushing the pace and before you knew it we extended the lead."
Utah seemed to be in control in the final quarter as Ronnie Price hit a 3-pointer, taking the score to 90-79. Minnesota fought back to get back into the game by scored nine straight points.
Minnesota head coach Kurt Rambis stated, "Our defense was not connected," "We were not focused at that end. We knew against this team that we were going to have to do a great job maintaining our focus defensively because they do a great job of executing,
moving without the basketball and they continue to pass the ball and move and cut."
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