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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer got a late start in training camp, but he appeared to be in midseason form on Wednesday night.
Boozer, making his first appearance in front of his home fans after missing most of training camp while tending to his ill son, scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 101-93 in an exhibition game on Wednesday night.
Boozer got a warm ovation from Jazz fans when he was introduced prior to his home debut.
"It was nice to see him out there," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "I tried to put him back in (late in each half) because he told me he was going to need some extra work. He's worked hard, but still, when you haven't played against somebody for a long period of time, you have to get your basketball (shape) back."
Boozer played a team-high 25 minutes while trying to get back into game shape. He made his exhibition debut on Monday night in Utah's 124-101 loss to Phoenix.
Ronnie Brewer, a second-year player trying to win the starting shooting guard position, scored 12 of his 14 points in the first quarter.
"He's not a rookie anymore," said Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko. "We knew that he can play the game last year and right now he's getting time on the floor. He understands both sides how to play."
Brewer said he believes he can earn the starting position.
"I'm definitely more confident," he said. "I know the defense a lot better. I know the rotation. I've got to come every day to play."
The Jazz jumped out to a 14-point lead after shooting 73 percent from the field in the first quarter. Kirilenko and Boozer were each 3-for-3 from the field, while Brewer was 6-for-7.
Philadelphia tied it at 51 while playing against mostly Jazz reserves in the second quarter. Utah's starters put away the game by shooting 65 percent in the third quarter. Deron Williams scored 10 of his 12 points in the period, while Mehmet Okur had nine of his points.
Okur finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Williams had 10 assists, seven in the first quarter.
"He's a solid point guard," said Philadelphia's Andre Miller. "He's in a good system that fits his type of game. You know he makes smart decisions and he plays within the system. So he's going to have a great career."
Philadelphia dropped to 0-4 in the preseason. The 76ers were a little more competitive in their previous contests, losing their first three games by an average of about five points.
The Jazz improved to 3-2 in exhibition games.
Philadelphia was led by Miller, who played his college ball at the University of Utah. He scored 18 points while shooting 8-for-15 from the field. Willie Green had 15 points and Reggie Evans had 12 rebounds for the 76ers.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
