The Utah Jazz will try to keep the momentum going after a great victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Jazz stopped a two-game losing slide Tuesday with a 109-94 victory at home over the reigning Western Conference champions. Utah thumped the Thunder, 23-15, in the final quarter to win rather comfortably.
"It was a great effort," said Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin. "Our energy on both ends of the floor was great. The guys did a great job in understanding the sense of urgency in how important this game was."
It was a spectacular team effort from Utah as six Jazz players scored in double figures, led by 23 from Al Jefferson. Paul Millsap had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and DeMarre Carroll scored double figures off the bench and Randy Foye contributed 11.
Things got chippy and the Jazz didn't back down. Kevin Durant committed a flagrant foul on Alec Burks and Carroll ran right over and confronted Durant. Everyone intervened and Carroll and Durant both picked up technical fouls.
"He didn't do anything crazy," Corbin said of Carroll. "I thought he came over and was checking on his teammate, nothing crazy. They gave him a tech (technical foul). I didn't think he did anything. It's great to see. That's part of a being a great team and great teammates."
The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a four-game losing streak last time out.
The Wolves picked up their first road victory since Jan. 3 on Monday when they beat the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Six Minnesota players scored in double figures in its 100-92 win.
"We needed that win bad. It's been a long month for us," admitted guard Luke Ridnour. "As much as you don't want to admit it, losing does take a toll on you. It's been a while since we've won on the road, so this was a good one for us to finally win."
Ridnour led the team with 21 points. Nikola Pekovic (16), Ricky Rubio (13), Derrick Williams (12), Alexey Shved (12) and Mickael Gelabale (11) all had double-digit scoring nights. Pekovic grabbed 10 rebounds and Rubio handed out 10 assists.
Despite holding the Cavs under 100 points, Cleveland shot 50.6 percent from the field. Minny shot 52 percent and 57 percent from long range. Both teams committed over 20 turnovers.
The Timberwolves last won consecutive games with four in row from Dec. 7 - Dec. 15. They are 7-21 since as injuries mounted. All-NBA forward Kevin Love, Brandon Roy and Chase Budinger are still on the shelf. Andrei Kirilenko has missed the last four games with a strained right quadriceps.
The Jazz won this season's only matchup between Northwest Division foes, a 106-84 victory over the Wolves in Utah on Jan. 2. The Wolves are 3-2 in their last five against the Jazz at home.
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