Practice News Story 8: Sports

Posted 3:40 p.m. MST, March 22, 2007

Jazz Snatch Win against Clippers in Los Angeles

Los Angeles – In the final minutes of Utah’s 106-99 win over the Clippers Mehmet Okur came up again with another clutch three to seal the win to put the Jazz on a two game winning streak.

Along with Okur’s three he racked up 15 points and 13 rebounds. Fisher also had a double-double with 15 assists and 12 points. Boozer scored 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Millsap had 15 points and 7 rebounds.

“It’s fun to have energy like we had tonight,” said Derek Fisher.

From the beginning of the game the Clippers came out strong and took control of the game. But after the second half, the Jazz regrouped and outscored the Clippers by ten in the 3^rd quarter. After Okur’s three late in the 4^th quarter, the Jazz didn’t look back.

How well the Jazz do in the 3^rd quarter usually determines whether or not they win the game, said Marty Burns, sports analyst for Sports Illustrated. “The experience of Derek Fisher is what took them there.”

With only a few minutes left, tied at 97, Milsap set a screen for Okur at the top of the key. Fisher then dished it to Okur, who sank the three to seal the win. From there on the momentum the Jazz carried could not be stopped, even after an attempted three by Elton Brand to bring the Clippers within two. Elton Brand scored 33 points.

The Jazz play Memphis at home on Saturday and against Washington at home on Monday.

This is the Clippers first loss after a two game winning streak. They play Washington at home on Saturday, with a three day break following.