Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- It may be cold outside, but Jazz fans inside EnergySolutions Arena provided enough heat to melt most of the snow from downtown to Farmington.While the Jazz defeated San Antonio 104-101 Monday night, it was the fans that turned up the volume and provided a playoff-like atmosphere for a team that just won the season series against the Spurs for the first time since 1997.
The playoffs haven't started yet, but the NBA's loudest arena propelled the Jazz just enough to knock off their arch-nemesis.
Related:
Williams' late jumper helps Jazz top Spurs 104-101
Deron Williams recovered after missing his first six shots and scored 17 points, including a go-ahead jumper with 22 seconds left, and the Utah Jazz held on for a 104-101 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night."Our crowd and atmosphere was great," Jazz forward Ronnie Brewer said. "Our fans were behind us and helped us get a lot of stops."
With the Jazz trailing 64-60 midway through the third quarter, Brewer sent the EnergySolutions crowd into a frenzy when he made a layup and was fouled on the shot. Ronnie made the free throw to pull the Jazz within one.
Three minutes later, Deron Williams drove past Manu Ginobili and threw a dunk down with authority. Deron received thunderous standing ovation for his highlight reel dunk.
The Spurs led by as many as 15 in the first half, but the Jazz rallied to take a 13 point lead in the second half. After Utah Head Coach Jerry Sloan was called for a technical foul, the Jazz went on a 25-6 run.
| Jazz Homecourt Record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Record | Percentage |
| 2006-07 | 31-10 | 76% |
| 2007-08 | **37-4** | **90%** |
| 2008-09 | 33-8 | 80% |
| 2009-10 | 9-3 | 75% |
"It's a building block, and hopefully we can get it off this win and take this momentum with us to the next game," Brewer said.
There really is no place like home.
The Jazz face a tough stretch ahead with two games against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and a matchup with the Orlando Magic.
