This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Quick analysis of the Jazz's 107-100 win over Minnesota on Friday night at EnergySolutions Arena:
What happened
The Jazz led by nine points in the second quarter, then trailed by seven in the third period before rallying. They proceeded to lose a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, but managed to pull out the victory.
What went right
Jazz center Al Jefferson posted 40 points (tying his career high) and 13 rebounds against his former team. Randy Foye, another ex-Minnesota player, also emerged in the fourth quarter.
What went wrong
The Jazz allowed Minnesota to shoot better than 50 percent for most of the game. They also lost their composure in the fourth quarter, with Derrick Favors committing a flagrant foul that resulted in a five-point sequence for the Timberwolves and Mo Williams being charged with an offensive foul that also was a case of retaliation against JJ Barea.
What it means
With two games remaining, Monday at Minnesota and Wednesday at Memphis, the Jazz (42-38) cut the Los Angeles Lakers' lead to a half-game for the Western Conference's final playoff slot, pending the Lakers' late result at home against Golden State. The Jazz clinched a second consecutive winning season.
What's next
The Jazz's next appearance at ESA will either be for lockout-cleanout day next week or a playoff game against Oklahoma City or San Antonio the following week.
Twitter: @tribkurt