Tinsley made only his second start in two seasons with the Jazz.

Once again, however, he came through with a dynamic performance despite limited minutes in the first six games.

“I just respect his professionalism all the time he’s been here,” said Corbin. “He’s always been ready when we’ve called in him. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, and I really appreciate it.”

Marvin Williams agreed.

“That’s the definition of a pro,” he said. “... That’s a guy who has been in the league for a while and takes his job very seriously.”

With Tinsley running the offense, Utah converted 10 of its first 18 possessions and the Jazz jumped to a 22-11 lead.

They remained in control most of the way, although the Suns rallied from a 77-55 deficit in the third quarter.

Phoenix used a 19-2 run to put pressure on the Jazz and get within 79-74. But Paul Millsap’s jumper with 4:29 left and Al Jefferson’s six points in the final 3:43 helped ice the victory.

“We weren’t executing, and we didn’t get any stops,” Millsap said. “They came down and got layups. ... We just didn’t play good defense and let them come back in the game.”

Asked about the Jazz’s inability to bury the Suns when they had the chance, Tinsley said, “That’s basketball. Sometimes shots don’t go in. They weren’t going in for a while and their [shots] were going in.”

Tinsley finished 0-for-3 from the field but, given those 14 assists, nobody was too worried.

“Whatever they need from me, I try to go out and do my best,” he said. “Just play hard and, on the court or off the court, help other guys get ready for the game. ... Just control what you can control.”