Jazz 98, Grizzlies 92
Deron Williams scored 10 of Utah’s final 15 points and Paul Millsap had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the host Jazz defeated the stubborn Memphis Grizzlies 98-92 on Saturday night.
Williams’ jumper with five minutes left gave Utah the lead for good at 85-83. He finished with 19 points and matched a season-low with five assists.
The Jazz (23-11) moved into first place in the Northwest Division, one-half game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Zach Randolph had 27 points and 16 rebounds for the Grizzlies (14-19). He has averaged 27.3 points and 14.3 rebounds in his last four games, well above his season averages of 18.8 and 12.7.
Rudy Gay, Memphis’ leading scorer at 20.7 points per game, did not play because of a stomach virus.
Memphis (14-19) trailed by as many as 13 in the third quarter before O.J. Mayo’s 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter gave the Grizzlies a 72-71 lead. Mayo finished with 18 points and six rebounds.
Randolph scored 10 points in the third quarter, and kept the Grizzlies in the game early with 11 points and six rebounds in the first quarter.
Utah center Francisco Elson was ejected in the second quarter after receiving his second technical foul.