[QODLink]
Sport
Williams leads Jazz to big win
Utah thrash San Antonio 109-83 to take their seven-game semi-final series to 2-1.
Last Modified: 27 May 2007 11:16 GMT

Utah guard Deron Williams, front, led all scorers with 31 points as the Jazz came from behind for a big win [AFP]

Utah guard Deron Williams scored 31 points and gave eight assists to lead the Jazz to a 109-83 thrashing of the San Antonio Spurs in their NBA semi-final series, taking the seven-game series score to 2-1 and keeping their unbeaten playoff record at home intact.
The Jazz outscored the Spurs 66-36 in the second half to record their seventh consecutive win at home this postseason, with forward Carlos Boozer adding 27, including 10 in a decisive third quarter for Utah, while Derek Fisher and Gordan Giricek added 11 points apiece for the home team.

"This feels great. We executed well," Williams said.

"We are here to play and despite all the odds we are not going to give up."

Utah coach Jerry Sloan added: "We executed very well and did great job of keeping control of the basketball."

For the Spurs, who are seeking their third NBA Finals appearance in the last five years, guard Tony Parker had a team-high 25 points, but with Spurs superstar Tim Duncan in foul trouble for most of the game, the Jazz took advantage, staying close in the first half before blowing the game open in the second.

Gregg Popovich, San Antonio coach, scoffed at suggestions the momentum in the series had shifted to the Jazz.

"I am not concerned about momentum," Popovich said.

"I am concerned about playing better. The story of the game is not that important. 

"How we play is what matters."

Come from behind victory

After spotting San Antonio an eight-point lead through the first quarter, the Jazz trailed 47-43 at halftime.

The Jazz, who never led in the second half during the first two games of the series, manhandled the Spurs in the second half to run away with an eventual big win.

Game four will be played in Salt Lake City on Monday.

Source:
Agencies
Topics in this article
People
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera's exclusive publishing of a key Guantanamo prison military document lays bare the brutality of force-feeding.
Former military official says poverty and anger in indigenous communities mean conditions for an "insurgency" are ripe.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Featured
Once a bustling haven, Elasha Biyaha has almost become a ghost town as residents flee.
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Lebanon-based militia is assisting villagers caught up in the conflict.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Extensive coverage of war crimes tribunals and controversial calls for blasphemy laws.
join our mailing list