Jefferson's 40 lift Jazz over Wolves, 107-100

Minnesota Timberwolves' Derrick Williams, left, guards Utah Jazz's Paul Millsap (24) in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game on Friday, April 12, 2013, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota Timberwolves' Chris Johnson (20) defends against Utah Jazz's Derrick Favors (15) in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game on Friday, April 12, 2013, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (The Associated Press)

Al Jefferson tied a career high with 40 points, including a clutch jumper with 39 seconds left, to power the Utah Jazz past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-100 on Friday night.

The victory kept the pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers in the race for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Jefferson scored 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting in the third to turn a seven-point deficit into an 82-81 lead entering the fourth.

After Ricky Rubio's back-to-back 3-pointers gave Minnesota a 98-97 lead with 3:52 left, Jefferson followed with an 8-footer. His 14-footer as the shock clock expired gave Utah a 101-98 lead with 39 seconds remaining.

J.J. Barea scored a season-high 23 points off the bench for Minnesota (29-50).