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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Deron Williams had 21 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, and the Utah Jazz finally beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-103 on Wednesday night.
Williams led a second-half surge and all five starters were in double figures as the Jazz avoided an embarrassing third consecutive loss to the lowly Wolves.
The Timberwolves trailed by 17 with 4:30 remaining, but cut the deficit to three after a pair of 3-pointers by Kevin Love with about 35 seconds left.
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Third time is the charm; Jazz beat T-Wolves
After losing both of their first two meetings of the season with Minnesota, the Jazz managed to scrape out a 107-103 win Wednesday at the Target Center, shaking the already repeatedly wounded Timberwolves with an improved second half.Mehmet Okur missed a 3-pointer on the Jazz's ensuing possession, but Carlos Boozer secured the offensive rebound and Williams made two of four free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Al Jefferson scored 21 points for the Wolves, who took a 47-46 halftime lead. Boozer scored a quick inside basket and the Jazz opened the third quarter on a 9-1 run. Utah added a 10-0 burst later in the period to build a big enough cushion to survive the Minnesota rally.
After going 1 for 10 in the first half, Boozer scored 13 points in the second and finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Ronnie Brewer added 20 points, including a dunk over Corey Brewer late in the game that helped slow down the Minnesota surge.
Williams also was strong defensively, limiting Jonny Flynn to just seven points after Flynn scored 28 in their last meeting.
Utah had clamped down on Love before the second-year forward got hot down the stretch. Love missed seven of his first nine attempts before making his final three to finish with 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 13th double-double.
NOTES: Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said the acquisition of Alando Tucker from the Phoenix Suns for the seldom-used Jason Hart gives the Wolves a "free look at a high draft pick." Rambis wasn't sure when Tucker, the 29th pick in the 2007 draft, would make his Wolves debut, but said his mid-range game and defensive ability will be an asset. ... Jazz swingman Kyle Korver missed Wednesday's game and will also sit out Thursday's game against Oklahoma City because of continuing pain in his surgically repaired left knee. ... Williams has recorded a double-double in 10 straight games against the Wolves. ... Utah had 54 field goal attempts in the first half, but shot just 35 percent.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
