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Share on FacebookJazz Defeat the Celtics in a Nail Biter
Jazz 90, Celtics 85
By Brandon Cooper
Another statement game is in the works for the Utah Jazz tonight as the world champion Boston Celtics roll into town well rested after a slightly extended all star break. With Andrei Kirilenko making his way back into the lineup Tuesday, another dimension of basketball can be added to Utah's arsenal. An unrelenting Boston squad would dominate until the fourth quarter, where Utah would catch a much needed flame to earn a win at home 85-90.
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A slow start plagued both teams by missing jump shots and easy insiders early in the first. Kevin Garnett would open up a 6-0 run for Boston with his deadly outside jumper. Boston would also answer on defense, strategically destroying the Utah offensive push. Utah would shoot only 19 percent in the field goal category to create a slow start which typically meant bad news down the stretch for the Jazz. The game starts out physical and would be a taste of things to come from both teams.
End of first 13-22 Boston with the lead.
A great start for Boston would seem to flip a u-turn by giving away offensive turnovers as well as missing jump shots. Paul Pierce would lead an aggressive offense seemingly taking over for Rajon Rondo who earned foul trouble early in the second with a total of 3. Ronnie Brewer brought momentum by aggressively deploying high energy plays to fire up a much needed spark. Utah gained momentum mid second to efficiently commit a 9-2 run late in the second. Tension struck Boston towards the end of the second following a possible injury to Garnett after an attempted alley-oop. Meanwhile Utah trimmed the lead after Andrei Kirilenko was fouled the last second of the quarter.
End of second 38-39 Boston with the lead.
Boston starts the third quarter short a key man,coach Doc Rivers decisively keeps Garnett out the rest of the game to prevent further injury. Deron Williams would lead Utah on a small run by finding the open man and looks to take advantage of Garnett's absence, but are unable to overturn a Boston lead. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen open up Boston's offense throughout the third hitting threes, jump shots and driving inside. Paul Millsap finds difficulties in the paint against bigger Boston defenders. Another close quarter would close out 60-66.
End of third 60-66 Boston with the lead.
Trailing throughout majority of the game, Utah puts fourth a smaller lineup in hopes of pushing the ball up the court with higher energy levels. Kyle Korver remains quiet through the game hitting 1 of 7 mid third. Although struggling, Millsap hits a big and one with 5:44 left as a huge momentum shift. Utah commits 11-3 run against a somewhat unorganized Boston defense. Rajon Rondo keeps the game alive for Boston running effective driving devastators and getting to the line. Mehmet Okur denies Leon Powe with 2:41 to keep the game tied for Utah 83-83. Harpring would hit a jumper from the free throw line to put Utah on top 85-83 1:01 left. With 20.4 seconds left Williams would crossover Allen to drain a shot from the free throw line to put Utah up 87-83. Utah would finish the game at the line from Kirilenko and Brewer to end it on the wire and end a Boston 9 game road winning streak, 90-85.
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| Deron Williams goes up strong against Kevin Garnett in the first half. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE/Getty Images |
End of fourth 90-85 Utah with the win.
Utah Highlight Stats:
Mehmet Okur 19 Pts 6 Reb
Deron Williams 18 Pts 10 Ast
Ronnie Brewer 16 Pts 4 Stl
Andrei Kirilenko 13 Pts 2 Reb
Boston Highlight Stats:
Paul Pierce 20 Pts 9 Reb
Rajon Rondo 15 Pts 7 Ast
Kendrick Perkins 12 Pts 11 Reb
Ray Allen 12 Pts 4 Reb
Game Stats:
FG UT 41% BOS 43%
AST UT 16 BOS 14
TO UT 12 BOS 19
REB UT 35 BOS 43
Jazz rally to beat Celtics 90-85
SALT LAKE CITY(AP) Deron Williams had 18 points and 10 assists and the Utah Jazz rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 90-85 Thursday night.
The Celtics were playing for the first time in a week and lost All-Star forward Kevin Garnett late in the second quarter with a strained right knee. Boston led by 11 in the third quarter, but couldn't hold off the Jazz at the end.
Utah outscored Boston 30-19 in the fourth quarter, closing the game on an 8-2 run to split the season series with the defending NBA champion.
Mehmet Okur led Utah with 19 points and reserve Matt Harpring had eight points and a clutch rebound as the Jazz pulled away in the final minute.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points.
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