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Oakland, Calif. • Everything started right for the Jazz. Solid pacing, smooth movement and strong, efficient play. It was exactly what Utah coach Jerry Sloan called for during the hours leading up to a game Friday night against a Golden State team that still does everything a little bit differently than the rest of the league.

But while Utah initially ran the show, the small, speedy Warriors eventually stole the spotlight, grabbing an 85-78 victory at Oracle Arena before a crowd of 17,902.

"We just didn't seem to have the energy to compete with them," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said.

Deron Williams scored a co-game high 23 points to lead Utah (2-3), while Al Jefferson scored 16 points and had 15 rebounds.

Monta Ellis topped the Warriors (4-1) with 23 points. Guard Stephen Curry returned to action after recovering from an ankle sprain, scoring 13 of his 20 points during the second half.

Despite possessing a larger, more imposing lineup, the Jazz were outrebounded 52-46 by Golden State, led by a game-high 20 from Andris Biedrins. In addition, Utah connected on just 21.4 percent (3-of-14) of its 3-point attempts and committed 21 turnovers that were turned into 27 Warriors points.

"Goodbye kiss," Sloan said.

Down 72-65 late in the fourth quarter, Utah used a 7-0 run to tie the game with 3:16 to go following a fast-break layup by Raja Bell.

"We fought hard," Williams said. "Fought hard and got back in the game."

But five consecutive points by Curry followed, peaking with a 3-point play that made it 77-72 Golden State at the 2:11 mark.

"Everybody knows who he is," Sloan said. "He's not a secret. He's a terrific player."

The Jazz pulled within 79-76 after a strong up-and-under finger roll by Jefferson. But a David Lee tip-in followed, making it 81-76 Warriors with 21.8 seconds left on the clock.

The Jazz opened sharp, taking a quick 6-0 lead and forcing Golden State to call an early timeout. But adjustments by the Warriors followed, and seven first-quarter turnovers by Utah helped give Golden State a 17-16 advantage after one period.

Strong play from reserve forward C.J. Miles kept the Jazz close. And with Golden State shooting just 32.7 percent (17-of-52) from the field during the first half, Utah used the Warriors' cold touch to slow down the game and stretch out plays.

The Jazz countered the Warriors' quickness with a variety of lineups, highlighted by a dual point-guard lineup featuring backups Ronnie Price and Earl Watson.

Meanwhile, center Al Jefferson played some of his smoothest ball of the season during the first half, pouring in eight points and showing off several impressive turn-and-spin moves in the paint.

Riding Jefferson, Williams and Paul Millsap, Utah jumped out to a 39-32 lead after Williams nailed a 3-pointer from the right baseline with 1 minute, 55 seconds left in the second quarter.

But the Jazz's momentum cooled, and a sparkling 8-0 run by the Warriors to close the half gave Golden State a 40-39 advantage at the break.

The quick burst gave the Warriors new life, shocked Utah and changed the game.

The Jazz still managed to keep the pace in their favor, mostly holding down a fast-paced Warriors team that entered the game ranked second in the NBA in average scoring with 109.8 points per game.

"Our defense did what it was supposed to do," Millsap said.

But while Golden State never found its normal lift, neither did Utah. The Jazz scored just 17 points during the third quarter, shooting 33.3 percent during the period and falling behind 60-56.

"We never could make any shots," Sloan said.

Pinpoint perimeter shooting by Miles kept Utah close, and the Jazz never collapsed or fully fell out of rhythm. But as the team's offense stagnated, no one stepped forward to carry the team to higher ground. And on a night when Utah did many things right but nothing exceptional, the Jazz ultimately did not have enough.

"They're a good team," Williams said. "This is not the same Warriors team."

Notes

Miles went down with 4:10 left in the second quarter. He walked off the court treading lightly and limping with his right leg, but returned to action. Miles re-sprained a right ankle he originally injured Oct. 22 versus Sacramento.

bsmith@sltrib.com Twitter: @tribjazz —

Clippers vs. Jazz

P At EnergySolutions Arena

Tipoff • 7 p.m.

TV • FSN Utah

Radio • 1320 AM, 1600 AM, 98.7 FM

Records • Clippers 1-4, Jazz 2-3

Last meeting • Jazz, 103-91 (Oct. 13 - preseason)

About the Jazz • The Jazz are coming off an 85-78 road loss to Golden State on Friday, ending a two-game winning streak. … Forward C.J. Miles re-sprained his right ankle against the Warriors but returned to action. … Forward Jeremy Evans (sprained right wrist) did not play Friday. He is questionable for Saturday's game.

About the Clippers • Starting point guard Baron Davis has missed the Clippers' last two games due to a knee injury. … Rookie guard Eric Bledsoe scored 17 points and had eight assists while filling in for Davis on Wednesday during a win over Oklahoma City. … Rookie center Blake Griffin is averaging 17.3 points and 10 rebounds through five games.