In the News

Spurs can recharge while awaiting next opponent (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The San Antonio Spurs were feeling good Monday night after sweeping their first-round Western Conference series with the Utah Jazz.

Ginobili ends slump as Spurs sweep Jazz 87-81 (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Manu Ginobili broke out of his shooting slump with 17 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to an 87-81 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night and a sweep of their first-round Western Conference series.

Jazz seek big lift vs. Spurs; Favors may be answer (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Al Jefferson waited seven years for this. Yet instead of experiencing playoff excitement, the Utah Jazz center has been part of two embarrassing losses with a team he acknowledged was ''unraveling'' before his eyes against the San Antonio Spurs.

Losses show how far Jazz lag behind powerful Spurs (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Coach Gregg Popovich modeled his San Antonio Spurs after the small-market Utah Jazz, following the lead of Jerry Sloan, who had a no-nonsense style and hard-nosed players.

Spurs blow out Jazz 114-83 to take 2-0 lead (Yahoo! Sports)

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Tony Parker scored 18 points and the San Antonio Spurs handed Utah its second-worst playoff loss in franchise history, beating the Jazz 114-83 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the first-round series.

Jazz secure final West playoff spot; Suns out
Paul Millsap scored 26 points and Al Jefferson went on a personal 8-0 fourth-quarter run as the Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 100-88 Tuesday night to secure a Western Conference playoff spot.

Jazz drop Suns 100-88, secure playoff spot (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Paul Millsap scored 26 points and Al Jefferson went on a personal 8-0 fourth-quarter run as the Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 100-88 Tuesday night to secure a Western Conference playoff spot.

Jazz in playoffs after win over Suns
Paul Millsap scored 26 points and Al Jefferson went on a personal 8-0 fourth-quarter run as the Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 100-88 Tuesday night to secure a Western Conference playoff spot.

Jazz outlast Nowitzki, Mavericks 123-121 in 3OT (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Al Jefferson scored 28 points and tied a career-high with 26 rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated Dallas 123-121 Monday night in triple-overtime to halt a seven-game losing streak against the Mavericks and preserve their slim playoff hopes.

Jefferson, Jazz down Nowitzki, Mavs in 3OT
Al Jefferson scored 28 points and tied a career-high with 26 rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated Dallas 123-121 Monday night in triple-overtime to halt a seven-game losing streak against the Mavericks and preserve their slim playoff hopes.

Jazz beat Mavericks in 3OT thriller
Al Jefferson scored 28 points and tied a career-high with 26 rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated Dallas 123-121 Monday night in triple-overtime to halt a seven-game losing streak against the Mavericks and preserve their slim playoff hopes.

Hayward scores 29 in Utah's win in Houston (Yahoo! Sports)

HOUSTON (AP) Running out of games and healthy bodies, the Utah Jazz turned to their budding star to keep their fading playoff hopes alive in Houston.

Jefferson, Harris lift Jazz over Warriors, 104-98 (Yahoo! Sports)

Al Jefferson scored 30 points and Devin Harris added a season-high 28 to lead the Utah Jazz over the Golden State Warriors, 104-98 Friday night to snap a two-game home losing streak. Gordon Hayward's late jumper and steal sealed the win for the Jazz (29-27), who are ninth in the Western Conference but only three games out of the No.

Garnett powers Celtics to 94-82 win over Jazz (Yahoo! Sports)

Kevin Garnett scored 23 points and added 10 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo had 14 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 94-82 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. The win was Boston's fifth in six tries. The Celtics moved into a tie with the Philadelphia 76ers atop the Atlantic Division. Former Celtic Al Jefferson had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz, scoring 10 in a 17-3...

Millsap double-double leads weary Jazz over Nets (Yahoo! Sports)

Paul Millsap had 24 points and 13 rebounds and the Utah Jazz shook off the weariness from their four-overtime loss 24 hours earlier to beat the New Jersey Nets 105-84 on Monday night. Al Jefferson added 19 points and eight rebounds as the Jazz won for the seventh time in eight games and kept a hold on one of the last playoff spots in the Western Conference.

Jazz easily beat Nuggets for 6th straight win (Yahoo! Sports)

Al Jefferson had 23 points and eight rebounds, Gordon Hayward chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 121-102 on Friday night. All five starters reached double figures as the Jazz (26-22) notched their sixth straight win. Paul Millsap had 14 points and C.J.

Jazz edge Kings 103-102 on Jefferson's putback (Yahoo! Sports)

Devin Harris claimed he was trying to pass the ball to Utah teammate Al Jefferson, who was alone under the basket with time winding down. Jefferson wasn't so sure but he wasn't going to argue, not after the Jazz extended their winning streak to five games to stay in the hunt for a possible playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Millsap leads Jazz to fourth consecutive victory
Paul Millsap scored 20 points, Al Jefferson had 16 and Devin Harris added 15 to lead the Utah Jazz to their fourth straight victory, 97-90 over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

Paul Millsap leads Jazz past Thunder, 97-90 (Yahoo! Sports)

Al Jefferson missed Utah's last two victories to be with his family after his grandmother's death. He returned to a team that is bolstered with newfound confidence "It's all about confidence right now. We've got it and we're rolling," Jefferson said. Paul Millsap scored 20 points, Jefferson had 16 and Devin Harris added 15 to lead the Jazz to their fourth straight...

Favors helps Jazz to overtime win vs. Warriors
Derrick Favors, starting for Al Jefferson, had career highs with 23 points and 17 rebounds to help the Jazz edge the Warriors 99-92 in overtime Saturday night.



Favors leads Jazz past Warriors 99-92 (Yahoo! Sports)

Derrick Favors, starting for Al Jefferson, had career highs with 23 points and 17 rebounds to help the Utah Jazz edge the Golden State Warriors 99-92 in overtime Saturday night. Jefferson, Utah's leading scorer and rebounder, was attending his grandmother's funeral in Mississippi. Favors scored four of the first six points in overtime and the Jazz claimed their sixth straight home win, and...

Warriors' Curry, Jazz's Jefferson out (Yahoo! Sports)
Golden State's Stephen Curry did not dress for Saturday night's game against Utah because of a sprained right ankle. This will be the fourth straight missed game for Curry, who averages 14.7 points and 5.3 assists. Al Jefferson of the Jazz is away from the team to attend his grandmother's funeral in Mississippi.

Jefferson inspired by gramma's memory
Al Jefferson looked at the ceiling and pounded his chest as he does after every game.

Grieving Jefferson powers Jazz past Pistons
Al Jefferson scored 33 points just 24 hours after his grandmother's death and the Utah Jazz defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-90 Monday night.

Grieving Jefferson leads Jazz past Pistons 105-90 (Yahoo! Sports)

Al Jefferson scored 33 points just 24 hours after his grandmother's death and the Utah Jazz defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-90 Monday night. C.J. Miles added 15 points, including three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help the Jazz end a two-game skid and snap Detroit's three-game winning streak.

Jefferson leads Jazz over Bobcats 99-93 (Yahoo! Sports)

Al Jefferson thinks he's finally figured out the NBA game. "Hey, it's taken me eight years to realize that if I pass the ball outside and guys hit open shots, it helps free me up," Jefferson. "I guess better late than never." Jefferson, the focal point of Utah's offense, had 31 points and nine rebounds as the Jazz defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 99-93 on Wednesday...

Jazz overpower Bobcats to earn rare road win
Al Jefferson had 31 points and nine rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 99-93 Wednesday night.

Jefferson leads Jazz over Bobcats 99-93 (Yahoo! Sports)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Al Jefferson had 31 points and nine rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 99-93 Wednesday night.

Jefferson, Hayward lead Jazz past Cavs, 109-100 (Yahoo! Sports)

The Utah Jazz finally found a way to win on the road. The Cleveland Cavaliers would like to find a way to win, period. Al Jefferson scored 25 points, Gordon Hayward added 23, and the Jazz snapped a six-game road losing streak with a 109-100 win on Monday night. Cleveland has lost six straight and four in a row at home.

Jefferson, Hayward lead Jazz past Cavs, 109-100 (Yahoo! Sports)

CLEVELAND (AP) Al Jefferson scored 25 points, Gordon Hayward added 23, and the Utah Jazz beat Cleveland 109-100 on Monday night, sending the Cavaliers to their sixth straight loss.

Miles scores 27 to lift Jazz over Rockets 104-83 (Yahoo! Sports)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) C.J. Miles scored a season-high 27 points and the Utah Jazz beat Houston 104-83 on Wednesday night, halting a four-game losing streak and the Rockets' four-game winning streak.

Girlfriend of Jazz center Jefferson enters plea
The girlfriend of Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson entered a plea in court Wednesday to resolve charges that stemmed from her hitting and biting Jefferson during a dispute at their home.

Down 16 in 4th, Wolves win at buzzer (AP)

Luke Ridnour hit a floater in the lane at the buzzer, capping Minnesota's comeback from 16 points down in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 100-98 on Wednesday night. Utah's Al Jefferson sank a jumper with Kevin Love in his face to tie the score at 98 with 7 seconds remaining.

Jefferson's 21 and 15 help Jazz end skid (AP)

Al Jefferson had 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, and Gordon Hayward added 23 points as the Utah Jazz snapped a three-game losing streak with a 98-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. Hayward shot 8 of 12 from the field, part of a 51 percent shooting performance by the Jazz on the night.

Jazz stop three-game skid behind Jefferson
Al Jefferson had 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, and Gordon Hayward added 23 points as the Utah Jazz snapped a three-game losing streak with a 98-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.

Jazz hand Lakers another road loss (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 18 points, Paul Millsap had 16, and Earl Watson keyed a game-clinching 14-0 fourth quarter run to help the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers 96-87 Saturday night. Watson scored eight points and had six assists in the fourth quarter as the Jazz beat the Lakers for the first time in three tries this season.

Jazz rally late to push past Lakers
Al Jefferson scored 18 points, Paul Millsap had 16, and Earl Watson keyed a game-clinching 14-0 fourth quarter run to help the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers 96-87 Saturday night.

Jazz ride late 14-0 run to win against Lakers
Al Jefferson scored 18 points, Paul Millsap had 16, and Earl Watson keyed a game-clinching 14-0 fourth quarter run to help the Jazz beat the Lakers 96-87 Saturday night.



Jefferson, Bell out for Jazz; Howard to start
Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson and guard Raja Bell are sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers because of injury.

Jefferson, Bell out for Jazz; Howard to start
Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson and guard Raja Bell are sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers because of injury.

Jazz put away Nuggets as Millsap heats up late
Paul Millsap had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Al Jefferson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 106-96 on Sunday night.

Millsap, Jefferson lift Jazz past Denver (AP)

Paul Millsap had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Al Jefferson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 106-96 on Sunday night. Gordon Hayward scored 19 points and Devin Harris and Alec Burks added 10 each for the Jazz, winners of seven of their last eight. Danilo Gallinari scored 18 points, Nene had 17 and Arron Afflalo 16 for the Nuggets.

Jazz have won seven of eight
Paul Millsap had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Al Jefferson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 106-96 on Sunday night.

Jazz spoil Williams' return to Utah (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 20 points and reserve C.J. Miles added 17 in Utah's 107-94 win over the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night, spoiling the return of former Jazz All-Star guard Deron Williams. Williams was coming off a 35-point effort Friday in Phoenix but struggled in his first game back in Utah since his February trade.

Kobe hangs 40 on Jazz as Lakers emerge in OT
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five.

Bryant scores 40 again, Lakers top Jazz (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five. The win was the first on the road for the Lakers, while Utah dropped its first home game after starting 5-0.

Kobe bails out Lakers with 40 vs. Jazz
Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Andrew Bynum blocked Al Jefferson's shot with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 90-87 victory over Utah on Wednesday night, ending the Jazz's winning streak at five.

Jefferson, Jazz bully Cavs for fifth straight win
Al Jefferson scored a season-high 30 points and Paul Millsap added 19 and the Utah Jazz defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-105 Tuesday night.

Jefferson's 30 help Jazz beat Cavaliers (AP)

Al Jefferson scored a season-high 30 points and Paul Millsap added 19 and the Utah Jazz defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-105 Tuesday night. It was Utah's fifth straight win as the Jazz (6-3) improved to 5-0 at home. The Jazz are off to their best start at home since beginning the 2008-09 season at 6-0.

Hayward lifts Jazz to fourth win in row (AP)

Gordon Hayward made a go-ahead free throw with 11 seconds remaining, lifting the Utah Jazz past the Golden State Warriors 88-87 on Saturday night for their fourth straight victory. Hayward finished with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists, and Al Jefferson added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Jazz, who shot just 39.5 percent.

Jazz reserves dominate Grizzlies' in win (AP)

Al Jefferson had 20 points and nine rebounds and the Utah Jazz reserves outscored their Memphis Grizzlies counterparts by 30 points on the way to a 94-85 victory Friday night. Paul Millsap scored 14 and Josh Howard had 13 points and a key steal in the fourth quarter to help Utah stay unbeaten at home in four games.

Jefferson's 26 carry Jazz over Bucks (AP)

Al Jefferson scored a season-high 26 points to lead the Utah Jazz to an 85-73 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Paul Millsap had 13 points and 12 rebounds and Gordon Hayward added 12 points for the Jazz. Hayward scored five points on back-to-back possessions and Millsap added a jumper on the next offensive set to clinch the game with 1:07 to play.

Jefferson, Harris carry Jazz by Hornets (AP)
Al Jefferson scored 22 points and Devin Harris added 19 points, including a late 3-pointer and three free throws down the stretch as the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Hornets 94-90 on Monday night. Josh Howard scored 13 points off the bench for the Jazz, including six straight in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 80.

Jazz C Jefferson sidelined with inflamed ankle
Starting center Al Jefferson missed Utah's game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night because of an inflamed right ankle.

Jazz C Jefferson out with inflamed ankle (AP)
Starting center Al Jefferson missed Utah's game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night because of an inflamed right ankle. The Jazz (0-2) made the announcement about 40 minutes before tipoff against the Sixers (1-1). It was the first game Jefferson missed since being acquired in a trade from Minnesota last year.

Al Jefferson's girlfriend arrested
Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson's girlfriend has been arrested on suspicion of domestic assault after authorities say she bit him during an evening attack at their home.

Cops: Al Jefferson bitten by girlfriend (AP)
The live-in girlfriend of Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson was arrested in a domestic dispute after authorities say she bit the 6-foot-10, 265-pound player. Shirley Lewis was booked into Salt Lake County jail late Thursday, records show. She was later released. Prosecutors were reviewing possible separate charges against Jefferson, Cottonwood Heights police Sgt.

Girlfriend of Jazz's Jefferson faces assault count
The live-in girlfriend of Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson was arrested in a domestic dispute after authorities say she bit the 6-foot-10, 265-pound player.

Thunder get past injury-depleted Jazz (AP)

Russell Westbrook scored 31 points, Kevin Durant added 29 and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away from the depleted Utah Jazz in the second half for a 106-94 victory Wednesday night. The Jazz played without starting point guard Devin Harris because of a strained right hamstring, and Andrei Kirilenko sat out the second half after bruising a nerve in his left knee.

Surging Bulls gain share of East lead (AP)

Derrick Rose and Luol Deng each scored 26 points, and the Chicago Bulls ran away with their 13th win in 15 games, all but grabbing a share of the Eastern Conference lead with an easy 118-100 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Rose scored 17 points in a blistering first quarter as the Bulls grabbed a 37-17 lead, and Chicago set a franchise record with 18 3-pointers while pulling within...

Jefferson sinks layup at buzzer to cap Jazz rally
Al Jefferson scored 34 points, including a game-winning layup at the buzzer, and the Utah Jazz rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Toronto 96-94 on Wednesday, extending their winning streak over the Raptors to 12 games.

Jefferson has 34, Jazz rally by Raptors (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 34 points, including a game-winning layup at the buzzer, and the Utah Jazz rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Toronto 96-94 on Wednesday, extending their winning streak over the Raptors to 12 games. C.J. Miles and Devin Harris each scored 23 points for Utah, which has not lost to the Raptors since a 98-86 defeat in Toronto on Dec.

Jazz halt home slide with OT victory over Kings
Al Jefferson scored 27 points and Raja Bell had two crucial jumpers and a steal in overtime to help the Utah Jazz hold off the Sacramento Kings 109-102 Saturday night to stop their home losing streak at seven games.

Jefferson, Bell lift Jazz by Kings in OT (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 27 points and Raja Bell had two crucial jumpers and a steal in overtime to help the Utah Jazz hold off the Sacramento Kings 109-102 Saturday night to stop their home losing streak at seven games. After the Jazz lost Paul Millsap to injury, Jefferson scored six points in overtime and Utah outscored the Kings 10-2 after Francisco Garcia started overtime with a 3-pointer.

Jazz hold off Kings in overtime
Al Jefferson scored 27 points and Raja Bell had two crucial jumpers and a steal in overtime to help the Utah Jazz hold off the Sacramento Kings 109-102 Saturday night to stop their home losing streak at seven games.

Pistons bounce back, beat Jazz 120-116 (AP)

Rodney Stuckey scored 28 points and made a big steal in the final minute, helping the Detroit Pistons bounce back from an embarrassing start to the weekend with a 120-116 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. One night earlier, Detroit used only six players in a lopsided loss at Philadelphia after several Pistons missed at least part of a team shootaround.

Jazz snap 5-game skid, top Pacers 95-84 (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 30 points, and the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak with a 95-84 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Paul Millsap had 23 points and a season-high 18 rebounds for the Jazz, who won for the first time after four consecutive losses under interim coach Tyrone Corbin.

Jefferson, Jazz top Pacers, give Corbin first win
Al Jefferson scored 30 points, and the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak with a 95-84 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Suns keep Jazz winless in post-Sloan era (AP)

Channing Frye scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns kept Utah winless in the post-Jerry Sloan era with a 103-102 victory over the short-handed Jazz on Tuesday night. Al Jefferson scored 32 and C.J. Miles 19 for the Jazz, who led by eight in the fourth quarter before an 11-0 run put the Suns ahead for good.

Jazz lose first game without Sloan (AP)

Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists to lift the Phoenix Suns over the Jazz 95-83 on Friday night in Utah's first game without Jerry Sloan as the head coach in more than 22 years. The Suns (26-25), who have won four straight against Utah, moved above .500 for the first time since Dec. 7 with their sixth win in seven games, spoiling the debut of new Jazz coach Ty Corbin.

Jefferson helps Jazz rally past Kings (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 23 points and Deron Williams had 21 points and nine assists to help the Utah Jazz rally for a 107-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. The Jazz outscored the Kings 27-17 in the fourth quarter in winning their second road game in a row after dropping the previous six.

Though short on players, Jazz hit right notes
Al Jefferson scored 21 points, Paul Millsap added 12 rebounds and the short-handed Utah Jazz blocked 10 shots to hold off the Charlotte Bobcats, 83-78, on Monday night.

Williams-less Jazz hold off Bobcats (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 21 points, Paul Millsap added 12 rebounds and the short-handed Utah Jazz blocked 10 shots to hold off the Charlotte Bobcats, 83-78, on Monday night. The Jazz won despite being without star point guard Deron Williams for the third straight game because of a wrist injury. Stephen Jackson led Charlotte with 24 points, while D.J.

Millsap rallies Jazz past Rockets in OT (AP)

Paul Millsap scored 12 of his 27 points in overtime and the Utah Jazz rallied from another double-digit deficit in a 103-99 win over the slumping Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Al Jefferson had 24 points and 13 rebounds and C.J. Miles added 16 points for the Jazz, who have come back to win 12 times this season after trailing by at least 10 points.

Jazz beat Pistons for 11th straight time (AP)

Deron Williams scored 22 points, including a pair of late free throws, as the Utah Jazz beat Detroit 102-97 on Monday night for their 11th straight victory over the Pistons. Raja Bell hit a 3-pointer and sank two free throws to give the Jazz a 100-97 lead with 17.9 seconds left. Tracy McGrady, starting in place of Rodney Stuckey, missed a 3-pointer and Al Jefferson grabbed the rebound to seal the...

Millsap, Williams get Jazz by Grizzlies (AP)

Paul Millsap scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting and Deron Williams had 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the short-handed Utah Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies 98-92 on Saturday night. It was Utah's eighth straight home win against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, playing without leading scorer Rudy Gay because of illness, fought back from a 13-point deficit to take a 79-78 lead on O.J.

Jefferson's double-double leads Jazz past Clips
Al Jefferson had 31 points and 10 rebounds and the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-95 Wednesday night, winning their fourth straight on the road.

Matthews' 30 help Blazers defeat Jazz (AP)

Wesley Matthews tied a career high with 30 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 27 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Utah Jazz 100-89 on Thursday night, hours after learning star guard Brandon Roy will be sidelined for a lengthy period because of sore knees. Deron Williams had 19 points and eight assists for Utah, Paul Millsap added 17 points and Al Jefferson had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Jazz rally past Wolves; Sloan 3rd on wins list
Al Jefferson had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks against his former team in the Utah Jazz's 112-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Jazz's Sloan passes Riley on wins list (AP)

Al Jefferson had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks against his former team and Jerry Sloan moved into sole possession of third place on the career victories list in the Utah Jazz's 112-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Jefferson scored 21 points in the second half and Deron Williams added 25 points, seven assists and seven rebounds for the Jazz, who came...

Jefferson returns to Minnesota with Jazz (AP)
Al Jefferson says he will always have love for Minnesota and the Timberwolves. He's just happy to finally be playing for a winner in Utah. Jefferson faced his former team for the first time since being traded to the Utah Jazz this summer. He is averaging 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Jazz. But more importantly for him, the Jazz entered the game Wednesday night with 20 victories.

Heat beat Jazz for sixth straight win (AP)

LeBron James scored 33 points, Dwyane Wade added 28 and the surging Miami Heat outscored the Utah Jazz by 14 in the fourth quarter for a 111-98 victory Wednesday night. The victory extended Miami's winning streak to six, and avenged a 116-114 overtime loss to Utah at home on Nov. 9. The Heat improved to 15-8, while Utah fell to 16-7.

Mavs win eighth straight, cool off Jazz (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points on 12 of 18 shooting, Caron Butler added 16 points and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 93-81 Friday night to extend their winning streak to eight games. Dallas improved to 15-4 and ended a five-game losing streak in Utah. The Mavericks also snapped Utah's seven-game winning streak, outscoring the Jazz (15-6) by a 13-2 margin to start the fourth quarter.

Jazz bounce Bucks behind Jefferson's big night
Al Jefferson had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Utah Jazz to a 109-88 victory Monday night over injury-depleted Milwaukee.

Jazz beat hurting Bucks, extend run to 6 (AP)

Al Jefferson had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Utah Jazz to a 109-88 victory Monday night over injury-depleted Milwaukee. Deron Williams also scored 22 points for the Jazz (14-5), who have won six straight. Brandon Jennings led Milwaukee (6-11) with 27 points while Ersan Ilyasova added 18 for the Bucks.

Jazz club Bucks to extend win streak
Al Jefferson had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Utah Jazz to a 109-88 victory Monday night over injury-depleted Milwaukee.

Jazz defeat Clips for fifth straight win (AP)

Deron Williams had 26 points and nine assists, and the Utah Jazz got significant contributions from reserves C.J. Miles and Francisco Elson down the stretch to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-97 on Sunday for their fifth straight victory. Miles scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter for the defending Northwest Division champions, who won for the 13th time in 16 games after opening the...

Williams leads Jazz to rout of Hornets (AP)

Deron Williams had 26 points and 11 assists, Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and C.J. Miles provided big plays down the stretch, and the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-87 on Wednesday night. The Hornets dropped their second straight and fell to 11-3. Williams had eight assists in the first quarter, and 14 points by halftime.

Jazz explode in fourth to run away from Hornets
Deron Williams had 26 points and 11 assists, Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap provided big plays down the stretch, and the Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-87 on Wednesday night.

Miles (20 points) hits right notes for Jazz in win
C.J. Miles scored 20 points and Al Jefferson added 19 to help the Utah Jazz beat the Sacramento Kings 94-83 on Monday night.

Miles leads Jazz over slumping Kings (AP)

C.J. Miles scored 20 points and Al Jefferson added 19 to help the Utah Jazz beat the Sacramento Kings 94-83 on Monday night. After hitting five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter in a comeback win over Portland Saturday, Miles keyed two runs that gave the Jazz their third win in the last four starts. No team has won more road games (6) in the NBA than Utah, but the Jazz have struggled at home this...

Miles sparks Jazz's rally by Blazers (AP)

C.J. Miles scored 25 points, hitting five 3-pointers during an electric fourth-quarter comeback, and the Utah Jazz beat the Portland Trail Blazers 103-94 Saturday night. Al Jefferson had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Jazz, who have been the NBA's best comeback team this season, with six fourth-quarter comeback wins.

Duncan sets Spurs' scoring record in win (AP)

Tim Duncan had just made two free throws when he heard the word "congratulations" from a San Antonio teammate. "It took me a second to catch on," Duncan admitted Friday night after the Spurs' 94-82 win over the Utah Jazz. After scoring point No. 20,791 to set the Spurs' career record, the star forward can be forgiven for the momentary mental lapse.

Williams, Millsap lead Jazz over Nets (AP)

Deron Williams scored 23 points and dished out eight assists, Paul Millsap had 19 points, 15 rebounds and four assists and the Utah Jazz used balanced scoring and an efficient fast break to beat the New Jersey Nets 98-88 on Wednesday night. All five Jazz starters were in double figures by early in the third quarter, with Al Jefferson adding 16 points and Andrei Kirilenko 15.

Jazz rally once more, down Bobcats 96-95 (AP)

Deron Williams hit a running hook shot with 0.8 seconds left to cap a fourth-quarter rally and the Utah Jazz beat the Charlotte Bobcats 96-95 on Saturday night. Williams finished with 17 points and nine assists for the Jazz, who overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to win their fifth straight game and fourth on the road.

Jazz rally from 18 down to stun Magic (AP)

Deron Williams scored 30 points, Paul Millsap added 23 and the Utah Jazz rallied again for a 104-94 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. A night after a 22-point comeback victory in overtime at Miami, the Jazz went down 18 points in the third quarter, but came back to stun Orlando. Al Jefferson had a huge hook over Dwight Howard, and Williams followed with a jumper over Nelson with...

Millsap has 30 and 16 as Jazz win first (AP)
Paul Millsap had 30 points and 16 rebounds, Deron Williams added 16 points and 15 assists and the Utah Jazz avoided matching their worst start in 31 years by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-99 on Sunday night. Al Jefferson notched his first double-double since joining the Jazz in an offseason trading, putting up 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Millsap has 30 and 16 as Jazz win first (AP)

Paul Millsap had 30 points and 16 rebounds, Deron Williams added 16 points and 15 assists and the Utah Jazz avoided matching their worst start in 31 years by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-99 on Sunday night. Al Jefferson notched his first double-double since joining the Jazz in an offseason trading, putting up 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Jazz beat Kings, finish 8-0 in preseason (AP)

The Utah Jazz completed the first undefeated preseason in franchise history, beating the Sacramento Kings 82-71 on Friday night. Al Jefferson, Raja Bell and Kyrylo Fesenko scored 12 points for Utah (8-0), which played without starting point guard Deron Williams (personal reasons). Beno Udrih scored a preseason-high 17 points and Carl Landry added 13 off the bench for Sacramento (3-4), which...

Jazz C Jefferson hurts hand in win over Lakers
Al Jefferson scored 13 points in three quarters before leaving with an injured right hand, C.J. Miles added 14 points and the Utah Jazz stayed unbeaten in the preseason with an 82-74 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Jazz make 19 straight FTs, hold off Suns (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 16 points and the Utah Jazz made 21 of 24 free throws in the second half, including 19 in a row, to withstand a Phoenix comeback and beat the Suns 105-100 Tuesday night for their third consecutive preseason victory. Trailing by eight points entering the final period, the Suns took an 84-83 lead midway through the quarter on a jump shot by Earl Clark.

Fesenko helps Jazz hold off Blazers (AP)

Kyrylo Fesenko had 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds as the Utah Jazz withstood a second-half rally to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-100 in a preseason game Monday night. Deron Williams had 15 points and Al Jefferson added 14 for Utah. Jefferson scored eight points and Williams had seven in the third quarter, leading the Jazz (2-0) to their second win in five days over...

Utah Jazz introduce new addition Al Jefferson
The Utah Jazz aren't sure if they just picked up a new power forward or center.

Jazz introduce newly acquired Jefferson (AP)
The Utah Jazz aren't sure if they just picked up a new power forward or center. Al Jefferson can play both positions, which is one of the biggest reasons Utah made a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to get him. The Jazz introduced Jefferson in a news conference Thursday and both parties appear to be thrilled with the new arrangement.

Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz finalizing terms of Al Jefferson trade
The Jazz have finalized the terms of their expected trade with Minnesota to acquire big man Al Jefferson.

Timberwolves to send F Jefferson to Jazz (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send power forward Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz for two future first-round draft picks and a salary-cap trade exception, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been officially announced.

Report: T-Wolves trade Jefferson to Jazz
A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send power forward Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz for two future first-round draft picks and the salary-cap trade exception.

Reports: Jazz leading candidate to get Wolves' Jefferson
Jazz move ahead of Mavericks in Al Jefferson Sweepstakes.

Sources: Utah Jazz take lead to get Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson
The Utah Jazz have quickly moved into the lead to acquire Al Jefferson and were actively trying Monday night to complete a deal with Minnesota, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources: Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves continue Jefferson talks
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves continue to exchange proposals on an Al Jefferson trade and moved closer a deal over the weekend, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

Dallas Mavericks' interested in Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson
Mavericks' interest in Minnesota's Jefferson preliminary

Al Jefferson of Minnesota Timberwolves to serve two years of probation
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson will serve two years probation as part of his sentence for driving drunk.

T-Wolves' Jefferson pleads guilty to DWI
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson will serve two years probation as part of his sentence for driving drunk.

Al Jefferson returns to the Minnesota Timberwolves for road trip
Al Jefferson is back with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Al Jefferson of Minnesota Timberwolves out vs. Los Angeles Lakers for family matter
Minnesota's Al Jefferson won't play in Friday night's home game against the Los Angeles Lakers so he can tend to a personal matter.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson misses practice for 'personal reasons'
Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson did not practice Thursday, the third straight day he has been absent for what the team is calling "personal reasons."

Wolves' Jefferson misses practice again (AP)
Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson did not practice Thursday, the third straight day he has been absent for what the team is calling "personal reasons." Jefferson also missed practice Tuesday and the game against Golden State on Wednesday night. Coach Kurt Rambis says the absences are excused and acceptable.

Minnesota Timberwolves deactivate Al Jefferson for 'personal reasons'
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Al Jefferson has been deactivated for the game against Golden State for undisclosed "personal reasons."

Timberwolves snap 16-game losing streak (AP)
Al Jefferson's biggest fear was not winning again. The Minnesota Timberwolves, after all, entered Wednesday night having not won in more than a month and carrying the burden of a 16-game losing streak. That's why the reaction in the Timberwolves locker room after their 108-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings was part joy and part relief.

Timberwolves snap 16-game losing streak (AP)
Al Jefferson had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Darko Milicic also got a double-double to help the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 108-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Jonny Flynn added 18 points while Corey Brewer scored 19 for Minnesota. Carl Landry scored 22 points and Donte Greene added 21 for the Kings.

Wolves match club-record 16-game skid (AP)
Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 17 rebounds, helping the Phoenix Suns hold off Minnesota for a 111-105 victory on Sunday night -- and the Timberwolves matched a franchise record with their 16th loss in a row. Kevin Love had 23 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, and Al Jefferson put up 19 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves on a startling second-half comeback after falling behind...

Al Jefferson of Minnesota Timberwolves returns from two-game suspension
Al Jefferson has returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves after serving a two-game suspension for a DWI arrest.

Al Jefferson of Minnesota Timberwolves returns from two-game suspension
Al Jefferson has returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves after serving a two-game suspension for a DWI arrest.

T-Wolves' Jefferson suspended two games
The Minnesota Timberwolves have suspended center Al Jefferson for the next two games without pay after his arrest on suspicion of DWI.

Timberwolves' Jefferson arrested for DWI (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson faces an April 23 court appearance after his arrest on suspicion of DWI near downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota State Patrol spokesman Lt. Eric Roeske (RAW'-skee) says a trooper stopped the 25-year-old Jefferson on Interstate 394 early Sunday for speeding and changing lanes without signaling.

Report: Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson charged with DWI
Minnesota center Al Jefferson was arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly driving drunk, according to multiple reports.

Westbrook helps Thunder roll past Wolves (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 25 points, Russell Westbrook narrowly missed his second triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves in less than a week, and the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 109-92 victory Friday night. Westbrook had 18 points, matched his own franchise record with 15 assists and also grabbed eight rebounds before being removed from the game in the final four minutes and the Thunder...

Jefferson scores 16 in 4th, Wolves win (AP)

Al Jefferson rallied the Minnesota Timberwolves to their season-high fourth straight victory by scoring 16 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter for a 109-102 win Saturday night over the Memphis Grizzlies. Jefferson was quiet all night against steadily improving big man Marc Gasol, until the Grizzlies stretched their lead to seven points with 8 minutes left.

Love's career-high 25 power Timberwolves (AP)

Kevin Love had a career-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds and the Minnesota Timberwolves exacted a little payback on the New York Knicks with a 112-91 victory Sunday night. Ryan Hollins had 16 points and three blocks in his second straight strong game since being inserted into the starting lineup for the Timberwolves, who lost by 27 points at Madison Square Garden last week.

Wolves rally from 20 down to beat 76ers (AP)

Jonny Flynn had a career-high 29 points and nine assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from 20 points down to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-103 in overtime on Monday. Al Jefferson added 23 points and 13 rebounds to help the Timberwolves complete their biggest comeback of the season against the stunned Sixers.

Grizzlies win seventh straight at home (AP)

Rudy Gay scored 21 points, Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo added 20 apiece and the Memphis Grizzlies won their seventh straight home game with a 135-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Mike Conley added 18 points and eight assists, and Sam Young scored 17. Marc Gasol finished with 12 points.

Brooks' 43 lift Rockets by Wolves in 3OT (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 43 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed a career-best 17 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat Minnesota 120-114 in triple overtime on Wednesday night. Al Jefferson pulled down a franchise-record 26 rebounds and scored 26 points for the Timberwolves, playing the team's first ever three-overtime game.

Anthony returns with 24 to lift Nuggets (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points in his return from a knee injury, hitting consecutive 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter to help quash any chance of another upset by Minnesota as the Denver Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 105-94 Monday night. The All-Star forward, who is leading the NBA in scoring, missed the previous five games after suffering a right knee bruise Dec.

Timberwolves C Jefferson to be traded? (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson brushed off rumors of a potential trade on Monday morning. He says trade rumors are just a part of life in the NBA and he will not worry about them. Jefferson spoke in Denver after the team's morning shootaround. He was responding to a report by Yahoo! that cited anonymous sources in saying Timberwolves president David Kahn offered Jefferson to Indiana...

Wolves ruin Granger's return, top Pacers (AP)

Al Jefferson had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled Danny Granger's surprise return with a 116-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Kevin Love had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Ryan Gomes added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves, who snapped a five-game losing streak.

Pacers halt 8-game slide, beat Wolves (AP)

Roy Hibbert and Luther Head each scored 21 points and the Indiana Pacers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-111 on Saturday night to snap an eight-game losing streak. Brandon Rush scored 16 points and Mike Dunleavy added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers. Al Jefferson scored 23 points, Wayne Ellington had a career-high 16 and Kevin Love also scored 16 for the Timberwolves, who have lost...

Magic snap 3-game road losing streak (AP)

Rashard Lewis scored 21 points, and Matt Barnes added 17 to help the Orlando Magic snap a three-game road losing streak with a 106-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Jonny Flynn led Minnesota with 23 points, Kevin Love added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Al Jefferson had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jefferson's 27 lift Wolves over Nets (AP)

Al Jefferson scored a season-high 27 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves got a favorable videotape review in the final minute to defeat the New Jersey Nets 103-99 on Wednesday night in the battle of the NBA's two worst teams. Jonny Flynn added 22 points and Kevin Love had 13 points and 16 rebounds as Minnesota (6-24) swept the two-game season series and sent New Jersey (2-27) to its eighth...

Wolves top Nets in matchup of NBA's worst
Al Jefferson scored a season-high 27 points and the Timberwolves got a favorable videotape review in the final minute to defeat the Nets 103-99 in the battle of the NBA's two worst teams.

Hawks match best start in team history (AP)

Jamal Crawford scored 26 points and Joe Johnson added 21 points and six assists, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 112-87 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Al Horford had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Mike Bibby added 18 points and six assists for the Hawks (20-7), who tied the best start in franchise history.

Love has 20 and 16 to lift Wolves (AP)

Kevin Love put up 20 points and 16 rebounds, his fifth straight double-double and seventh in nine games since returning from a broken left hand, to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Sacramento Kings 112-96 Friday night. Corey Brewer scored 20 points on 9 for 16 shooting, and the Wolves (5-22) were in front from start to finish for the first time this season, taking advantage of a sloppy,...

Thompson's 23 and 13 lead Kings in rout (AP)

Jason Thompson had 23 points and 13 rebounds to help the Sacramento Kings snap a four-game losing streak by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-100 Saturday night. Tyreke Evans scored 18 points and Beno Udrih had 16 points and seven assists for the Kings. Al Jefferson had 26 points and 11 rebounds for Minnesota, which has lost four straight and is 3-21 overall under rookie coach Kurt Rambis.

Paul's late layup gets Hornets by Wolves (AP)

Chris Paul taught rookie Jonny Flynn another lesson. Paul streaked past Flynn on an inbounds pass to hit a layup with 1.4 seconds left and lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 97-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Paul finished with 15 points and 14 assists. Trailing by one point with 3.9 seconds to go, Paul threw an inbounds pass to David West.

Wolves beat Nuggets to snap 15-game skid (AP)

Ryan Gomes scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves player this season, and Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets 106-100 Sunday night. Corey Brewer and Jonny Flynn each scored 16 points in helping Minnesota rally from 17 points down in the first half and register their first win since a season-opening victory against New Jersey.

Suns hand Wolves 15th straight loss (AP)

While 35-year-old Steve Nash was running circles around players 15 years his junior on the court, the young Minnesota Timberwolves finally started to show signs that all this losing is getting to them. Frowns of frustration and blank stares of disillusionment washed over them as they creep closer to a record that nobody on the team wants to accomplish.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson to miss two games
Timberwolves center Al Jefferson will miss the next two games because of an illness in his family.

Wolves' Jefferson out two games for family illness
Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson will miss the next two games because of an illness in his family. The Timberwolves say Jefferson left the team to be with an ill family member in Florida. He will miss the game Friday night against Dallas and on Saturday at Memphis. Jefferson is expected to rejoin the team early next week. It's a big blow to the Timberwolves, who have lost eight straight games since a season-opening win over New Jersey. Jefferson is averaging 15.1 points and 6.

Garnett leads Celts to win in Minnesota (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds in his third game back in Minnesota since he was traded in 2007, helping the Boston Celtics remain undefeated with a 92-90 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Rajon Rondo scored 14 of his 18 points in the third quarter for the Celtics (6-0), who join the Denver Nuggets as the only two teams in the league without a loss.

Jefferson to play; Flynn, Ellington questionable
Minnesota Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson will play in the opener on Wednesday night against New Jersey despite battling an Achilles injury in recent weeks. Jefferson said Tuesday that he has practiced pain free for the past two days and will definitely be in the lineup against the Nets. That's good news for the Timberwolves, who will play the first six to eight weeks of the season without forward Kevin Love after he had surgery on a broken hand last week.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson to play vs. New Jersey Nets
Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson will play in the opener on Wednesday night against New Jersey despite battling an Achilles injury in recent weeks.

Wolves' Jefferson to play in opener (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves big man Al Jefferson will play in the opener on Wednesday night against New Jersey despite battling an Achilles injury in recent weeks. Jefferson said Tuesday that he has practiced pain free for the past two days and will definitely be in the lineup against the Nets. That's good news for the Timberwolves, who will play the first six to eight weeks of the season without...

Sore Achilles still bothers T-Wolves star Jefferson
Minnesota's Al Jefferson is still bothered by Achilles' tendinitis. Jefferson did not participate in Tuesday morning's shootaround in Denver, where the Timberwolves were playing an exhibition. Team spokesman Mark Rosenberg says Jefferson is also fighting a cold, unsure if the star forward would suit up against the Nuggets. Jefferson sat out during the fourth quarter Saturday against Milwaukee because of soreness in the tendon, and he didn't practice Monday.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson limited by Achilles issue, cold
Al Jefferson is fighting Achilles tendinitis and missed the team's morning shootaround.

VIDEO: NBA Tipoff: Timberwolves
The first describes Al Jefferson after his Subway diet. The second describes the T-Wolves' playoff hopes, our NBA Tipoff says.

2009-10 Draft Prep: Northwest Division Preview
Can Al Jefferson return to form? Will Chris Andersen be a viable Fantasy option this season? Is Paul Millsap ever going to get a chance to shine? Our Sergio Gonzalez takes a closer look at the Northwest Division from a Fantasy perspective.




2009-10 Draft Prep: Northwest Division Preview
Can Al Jefferson return to form? Will Chris Andersen be a viable Fantasy option this season? Is Paul Millsap ever going to get a chance to shine? Our Sergio Gonzalez takes a closer look at the Northwest Division from a Fantasy perspective.




2009-10 Draft Prep: Northwest Division Preview
Can Al Jefferson return to form? Will Chris Andersen be a viable Fantasy option this season? Is Paul Millsap ever going to get a chance to shine? Our Sergio Gonzalez takes a closer look at the Northwest Division from a Fantasy perspective.




Al Jefferson of Minnesota Timberwolves shows up for camp 31 pounds lighter
Big Al" Jefferson isn't quite as big these days, and that's no accident for the Minnesota Timberwolves star as he returns from a major knee injury.

Going to the supporting cast of Wolves
Since Al Jefferson got hurt, Fantasy owners have turned to his teammates in Minnesota, and they haven't been disappointed. Our Jamey Eisenberg takes a look at the Timberwolves and how they have stepped up since Jefferson went down.




Jefferson, Smith lead Wolves by Clippers (AP)

Al Jefferson scored 20 points and tied a season high with 17 rebounds, and Craig Smith also had 20 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves' 94-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. The Timberwolves have won seven of their last eight games after losing 15 of 17. They have won a season-high four straight on the road for the first time since December 2005, when they won five in a row away...

Jefferson helps Wolves top Suns 105-103 (AP)

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from an 11-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 105-103 Friday night. Randy Foye made a 20-foot jumper with 1:58 remaining to give Minnesota the lead for good. His basket came with just one second left on the shot clock.

Foye's 32 help Wolves roll past Thunder (AP)

Randy Foye and the Minnesota Timberwolves are on their first roll of the season. Foye equaled his career high with 32 points in just three quarters and the Wolves won their fourth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-87 on Wednesday night. Al Jefferson added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which has won six of its last eight following a 13-game losing streak.

Wolves win 2 straight for first time (AP)

Randy Foye scored 21 points, Al Jefferson added 18 points and 14 rebounds and the Minnesota Timberwolves won consecutive games for the first time this season, beating the Chicago Bulls 102-92 on Saturday night. Trailing 73-72, Minnesota didn't score its first points in the fourth quarter until Foye made two free throws 4:06 in.

Jefferson's big night leads Wolves in OT (AP)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP -- Al Jefferson scored a season-high 38 points, including nine in overtime, and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 108-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Jefferson scored the Timberwolves' first seven points in overtime, helping them overcome the efforts of rookie scoring leader O.J.

Wolves snap 13-game skid, beat Knicks (AP)

The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a 13-game losing streak and won for the first time this season under Kevin McHale, getting a season-best 23 points from Rashad McCants in a 120-107 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night. Al Jefferson added 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who rode the combination of Jefferson's inside play and some sizzling 3-point shooting to win for...

Parker, Spurs extend Wolves' skid to 13 (AP)

Tony Parker scored 36 points on 13-of-17 shooting to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 99-93 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday night, handing the Timberwolves their 13th consecutive loss. Parker missed just one of his 10 second-half shots and scored 21 points after halftime. He also was 10-of-12 from the foul line and had eight assists in 36 minutes in another huge night against the Timberwolves, the...

Rockets hand Wolves 12th straight loss (AP)

From dunking on a player 8 inches taller and 55 pounds heavier than he is to swatting away shots and chasing after loose balls, Al Jefferson is trying everything he can to snap the Minnesota Timberwolves out of this miserable slump. Yet nothing seems to be working. Tracy McGrady scored 23 points and the Houston Rockets made 12 3-pointers to hand the Timberwolves their 12th straight loss, 109-102 on...

Howard, Lewis lift Magic by Timberwolves (AP)
Dwight Howard had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Rashard Lewis also scored 23 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 100-89 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Hedo Turkoglu added 22 for the Magic, who have won two of three despite missing their top three guards with injuries. Al Jefferson had 19 to lead the Timberwolves.

Billups' 27 in 3 quarters lift Nuggets (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored a season-high 27 points in three quarters, Carmelo Anthony added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-97 on Saturday night. Linas Kleiza added 15 points, and Anthony Carter had 12 for Denver. The Nuggets have beaten Minnesota seven straight times and 12 of 15.

Shaq's return gets Suns over Wolves (AP)

The Phoenix Suns found the answer for their peculiar struggles in Minnesota: Shaq. Shaquille O'Neal had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks to help the balanced Phoenix Suns to a 110-102 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, snapping their three-game losing streak in Minnesota. Steve Nash added 20 points and six assists in 27 minutes for the Suns, who were playing the second game of...

Wolves earn first road win, rip Pistons (AP)

Randy Foye had 23 points and a career-high 14 assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Detroit Pistons 106-80 on Sunday night for their first road victory of the season. Minnesota came into the game with a 2-9 record, including 0-5 on the road, but dominated the lethargic Pistons, who have lost three of four.

KG returns to Minnesota, Celtics cruise (AP)

Kevin Garnett has moved on. The championship trophy he earned with Boston last season made it all too easy to put 12 years of mostly mediocre basketball in Minnesota behind him. The Timberwolves are trying to move on as well without the only star the franchise has ever had. They have jettisoned all but four of his former teammates in the last 16 months, changed the look of their home court and...

Jefferson helps Wolves end 8-game skid (AP)

It's been three long weeks since the Minnesota Timberwolves last won a basketball game. "It seems like 1,000 years," forward Craig Smith said. Not anymore, thanks to Smith's superb effort off the bench and Al Jefferson's refusal to let his Timberwolves collapse in the fourth quarter again. Jefferson scored six of his 25 points in the final 3 1/2 minutes to lift Minnesota to a 102-96 victory over the...

Roy helps Blazers beat Wolves 88-83 (AP)

Brandon Roy continues to haunt the Minnesota Timberwolves. Roy scored 24 points, including a driving layup and then a fast-break dunk that put away the game, lifting the Portland Trail Blazers to an 88-83 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night. Roy, who was originally chosen by the Timberwolves but traded for Randy Foye on draft night, also had five assists for the Trail Blazers, who got their...

Blazers go to 3-0 at home, edge Wolves (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 12 rebounds, Brandon Roy added 24 points and nine assists and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-93 on Saturday night to improve to 3-0 at home. Al Jefferson finished with 27 points after starting off 3-for-10 from the field for Minnesota in its fifth straight loss.

Parker has 55 as Spurs win first in 2OT (AP)
Tony Parker scored a career-high 55 points, including a 20-footer at the buzzer to force a second overtime, in the San Antonio Spurs' 129-125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night After Al Jefferson backed down Tim Duncan and sank a turnaround hook to put Minnesota up 116-114 with 2 1/2 seconds left in the first overtime, Parker took the inbounds pass, dribbled right,...

Wolves deal Nuggets first preseason loss (AP)

Kevin Ollie made four free throws in the final 16 seconds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 111-107 preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Ryan Gomes scored 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field for the Timberwolves (5-1). Mike Miller had 17 points, Al Jefferson added 15, Craig Smith 13 and Randy Foye 12.

Nuggets win without injured Anthony (AP)

The Denver Nuggets' preseason opener was a breeze. Next, they'll face a gust. The Nuggets dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-95 on Friday night, as reserve J.R. Smith finished with 21 points and Chris Andersen grabbed 11 boards. Now, they're off to Indian Wells, Calif., to play the Phoenix Suns on Saturday in the NBA's first outdoor basketball game in more than 35 years.

Rookie Love scores 13 in Wolves' debut (AP)

Rookie Kevin Love scored 13 points and Mike Miller added 12, lifting the Timberwolves to a 117-79 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night that made Minnesota's draft day trade look promising. Al Jefferson chipped in 18 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes, and the new-look Timberwolves may have acquired enough offensive threats to improve on last season's 22-60 mark.

Jefferson says knee will be good to go in 2 weeks
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson says he's "feeling wonderful" just a couple weeks after spraining his right knee during a workout with teammates. Jefferson was moving around fine during the team's media day on Monday and says he plans to do plenty of running and some light work when the team gathers in Mankato for training camp on Tuesday. But he probably won't be doing any contact drills for another week or two.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406689783" height="1" width="1"/

T-Wolves' Jefferson says knee is healing well
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson says he's "feeling wonderful" just a couple weeks after spraining his right knee during a workout with teammates.

Wolves F Jefferson close to being ready (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson says he's "feeling wonderful" just a couple weeks after spraining his right knee during a workout with teammates. Jefferson was moving around fine during the team's media day on Monday and says he plans to do plenty of running and some light work when the team gathers in Mankato for training camp on Tuesday.

Wolves' Jefferson out 2-3 weeks with knee sprain
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson has a sprained right knee and will be sidelined for two to three weeks.

Jefferson sprains knee, will miss 2-3 weeks
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson has a sprained right knee and will be sidelined for two to three weeks. The team said Thursday that Jefferson is expected to be ready by the start of the regular season. An MRI exam Wednesday confirmed a mild sprain to the medial collateral ligament. In Jefferson's first season with the Timberwolves last year he averaged 21.0 points per game and 11.1 rebounds.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/396375025" height="1" width="1"/

Bobcats hold off Timberwolves 121-119 (AP)

Jason Richardson scored 36 points and the Charlotte Bobcats avoided a collapse against one of the league's worst teams to hold off the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-119 on Tuesday. The Bobcats coughed up an 18-point, first-half lead and gave the lowly Timberwolves a chance to tie the game. But Al Jefferson, who matched a career high with 40 points, missed an open 19-foot jumper at the buzzer.

Pistons rest 3, but still beat Wolves (AP)

With mentor Chauncey Billups watching his every move from the sideline, rookie Rodney Stuckey did his best "Mr. Big Shot" impression for the Detroit Pistons' "B" squad. As Billups has done so many times before in a Detroit uniform, Stuckey did much of his damage when his team needed him most, scoring 12 of his career-high 27 points in the fourth quarter to lift the Pistons to a 94-90 victory over...

Jazz lose again on road, fall to Wolves (AP)

After another ugly loss on the road, Utah coach Jerry Sloan thinks his team might be taking a playoff berth for granted. "Obviously, if you don't win, you don't get to the playoffs," Sloan said. "People have us penciled in way too soon." Al Jefferson had 22 points and eight rebounds and Rashad McCants scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half of Minnesota's 110-103 victory Sunday over a Utah...

Granger's 32 lead Pacers past Wolves (AP)

Danny Granger scored 32 points and the Indiana Pacers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-113 Friday night for their fifth straight victory at Conseco Fieldhouse. Mike Dunleavy finished with 25 points and seven assists and Troy Murphy added 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Pacers (28-41), who entered the night two games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Jefferson powers Wolves over Clippers (AP)

Al Jefferson had his 48th double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, Ryan Gomes scored 19 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 99-90 Monday night. Minnesota won for the fourth time in six games and moved past Seattle into fourth place in the Northwest Division. Jefferson trails only Orlando's Dwight Howard, who recorded his 60th double-double Monday, among NBA...

Roy keys game-breaking run for Blazers (AP)

With the season winding down and his team's playoff hopes dimming with every loss, Portland coach Nate McMillan was looking for a leader. Brandon Roy may only be a 23-year-old second-year pro, but that didn't stop McMillan from challenging last season's rookie of the year to be that guy. Roy had 27 points and nine assists, playing biggest during a game-deciding 12-2 run in the fourth quarter to...

Timberwolves rally past Clippers 99-96 (AP)

Al Jefferson had 30 points and 12 rebounds, Randy Foye tied a career-high with 26 points -- six in the final 1:15 -- and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 13-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 99-96 on Saturday night. The Timberwolves, who beat Sacramento on Friday night, have won consecutive games for the first time since Feb.

Wolves top Kings despite Martin's 48 (AP)

Al Jefferson had 21 points and 13 rebounds Friday night to help the Minnesota Timberwolves record a rare road win and snap a five-game losing streak with a 111-103 victory over the slumping Sacramento Kings. Kevin Martin scored a career-high 48 points and tied the Kings' Sacramento record by hitting 22 of 24 free throws.

Jefferson, McCants lead Wolves past Jazz (AP)

Al Jefferson and Rashad McCants scored 22 points, Randy Foye added a season-high 20, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 111-100 on Tuesday night. Minnesota forced 24 turnovers and held the Jazz to 6-for-21 shooting in the final quarter to snap a two-game losing streak and get its first win against the Northwest Division.

Ginobili's 44, late jumper stun Wolves (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs needed all of Manu Ginobili's 44 points to hold off the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves. Ginobili hit a jumper from the top of the key with 6.2 seconds left for his final points, leading the Spurs to their fourth straight win with a 100-99 victory over Minnesota on Thursday night. "Manu is a top caliber player, he's an All-Star caliber player," Spurs coach Greg Popovich said.

Timberwolves take 5-game skid into break (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves sure seemed to be headed in the right direction. Two weeks ago, they had won five out of seven games while star Al Jefferson was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for a dominating stretch in the low post. The signs of progress came from nowhere after a what appeared to be a hopeless 5-34 start.

Nets top Wolves for third straight win (AP)

Sitting at the end of the New Jersey Nets' bench didn't agree with Bostjan Nachbar, so he did something to improve the situation. Nachbar made the most of his chance to play in third quarter and scored 10 of his 14 points in a decisive spurt to lead the Nets to a 92-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Raptors ease past Timberwolves 105-82 (AP)

Andrea Bargnani scored 16 points and Jose Calderon had 15 points and 10 assists for his second consecutive double-double to help the Toronto Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-82 on Sunday night. All-Star Chris Bosh added 14 points for the Raptors, and T.J. Ford had seven points and 13 assists, his highest totals since returning to the lineup from injury Feb.

Rockets win eighth straight on road (AP)

Tracy McGrady had 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and the surging Houston Rockets held on for a 92-86 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Though McGrady had a season-high seven turnovers, he made the shots when they counted down the stretch, including the clinching 3-pointer with 30 seconds to go after Al Jefferson led the improving Wolves on an impressive rally.

Wolves down short-handed Clippers 104-83 (AP)
Al Jefferson scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in three quarters, Craig Smith added 21 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers 104-83 on Friday. The Timberwolves continued to show improvement after a dismal start to the season, winning for the fifth time in seven games after starting 5-29.

Timberwolves win ugly, 83-67 over Bulls (AP)

In an ugly offensive game, Al Jefferson and Ryan Gomes gave the Minnesota Timberwolves more than enough. Jefferson had 26 points and 20 rebounds, and Gomes added 25 points and 10 rebounds to help the Timberwolves to a 83-67 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. After a horrendous start to the night on offense for both teams, the Wolves closed the third period with an 11-0 run and added...

Wolves send Nets to ninth straight loss (AP)

Al Jefferson had a career-high 40 points and 19 rebounds, hit the go-ahead free throws with 11.4 seconds to go, and lifted the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 98-95 victory Sunday over the New Jersey Nets, who have lost nine in a row. Richard Jefferson scored 35 points and Vince Carter added 25. But Carter attempted an ill-advised fallaway jumper with the Nets clinging to a 95-94 lead in the final 25...

Jefferson's 39 lift Wolves over Suns (AP)

Al Jefferson led Minnesota to another unlikely victory over the Phoenix Suns. Jefferson had a career-high 39 points and 15 rebounds, and the Timberwolves won two in a row for the first time this season, 117-107 over the Western Conference leaders on Wednesday night. Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 33 points, but only 19 of them came in the last 43 minutes.

Wolves end road skid at 16, top Warriors (AP)

Ryan Gomes scored a career-high 35 points to go with 11 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves snap a 16-game road losing streak with a 109-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday. Al Jefferson added 21 points and 12 rebounds and Marco Jaric had 16 points, 10 assists and eight boards for the Timberwolves, who won just their second road game of the season and first since a 103-94...

Wolves off to worst-ever start at 4-28 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 33 points, Carmelo Anthony added 26 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-107 on Friday night. The Nuggets showed little hangover affect from Thursday night's victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. Denver led 12-0 before the game was three minutes old and took a 61-52 lead into halftime.

Week 10 Fantasy Stockwatch
The Celtics have obviously taken off with Kevin Garnett, but Minnesota and Fantasy owners are thrilled with Al Jefferson, writes Jamey Eisenberg in his Fantasy Stockwatch.

Heat overcome poor shooting, edge Wolves (AP)

Dwyane Wade survived a horrendous shooting night to score 30 points, Udonis Haslem added 18 and the Miami Heat finally found a way to win at home, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 91-87 Monday night. Shaquille O'Neal scored 15 points and added eight rebounds before fouling out for Miami (7-17), which won for only the third time in 11 home games -- and was pushed to the brink by a Minnesota team...

Timberwolves surprise Suns
Steve Nash and the Suns ran out of gas in the second half against the T-Wolves, who got 32 and 19 from Al Jefferson on Saturday.

Jefferson, Wolves down road-weary Suns (AP)

The hard-driving Phoenix Suns finally ran out of gas. The magnificent Suns' offense fell flat in the second half and Al Jefferson tied a career-high with 32 points to go with 20 rebounds to carry the success-starved Minnesota Timberwolves to a 100-93 victory on Saturday night. The Timberwolves entered the game with a league-worst 2-15 record, but dominated on the boards and snapped a five-game...

Bryant overcomes flu as Lakers cruise (AP)

Even with a bout of the stomach flu, Kobe Bryant was too much for the NBA's worst team. Bryant scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half to help Los Angeles jump out to a big lead, and the Lakers cruised the rest of the way to a 116-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Trevor Ariza added 15 points and five rebounds, and Bryant also had five assists for the Lakers, who...

Ginobili's 31 lifts Spurs past Wolves (AP)

San Antonio has maximized Manu Ginobili's impact this season by making him a substitute, though he's been a starter for much of his career. This is the very definition of the Spurs, who have dominated the league with four titles in the last eight years by finding the right role for every player. Ginobili scored a season-high 31 points with 7-for-9 shooting from 3-point range, and the Spurs stormed...

Nuggets rally late to beat Wolves 99-93 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points and Kenyon Martin had a season-high 18 to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 99-93 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The Nuggets have now won seven of their last eight games, including five in a row at the Pepsi Center. The Timberwolves are still searching for their first road win, falling to 0-4 away from home.

James scores 45, Cavs beat Wolves 97-86 (AP)

LeBron James is making this difficult game look oh so easy. Barely breaking a sweat, James had 45 points, eight rebounds and five assists to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 97-86 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Despite playing the second game of a back-to-back, James topped 40 points for the second time in the past three games and Drew Gooden added 17 points and nine...

Kings beat winless Timberwolves 100-93 (AP)

Kevin Martin had 29 points and Brad Miller added 12 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings 100-93 over the winless Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. John Salmons had 19 points and three steals for the Kings who were playing at home for the second night in a row. Al Jefferson had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Rashad McCants came off the bench to score 16 points for Minnesota in...

Howard dominant as Magic down Wolves (AP)

Give this one to Dwight Howard -- barely. In a matchup of two of the best young power forwards in the game, Howard edged his classmate Al Jefferson, scoring 28 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in Orlando's 111-103 victory over winless Minnesota on Tuesday night. Carlos Arroyo had 18 points and six assists in place of an injured Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis scored nine of his 27 points in the...

'Rising star' Jefferson gets extension with Wolves
Calling Al Jefferson a cornerstone of the team for years to come, the Minnesota Timberwolves late Wednesday night announced a multiyear contract extension with the 22-year-old forward who was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31.

Wolves, F Jefferson agree on extension (AP)
Forward Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves announced a multiyear contract extension on Wednesday night. The 22-year-old Jefferson was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31. Financial terms were not disclosed. "Al has proven that at only 22 years of age he is among the rising stars in the NBA," said Kevin McHale, Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations.

No max: Wolves' Jefferson gets $65M extension
Al Jefferson could have waited until next summer to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jefferson ignored that council and signed a five-year, $65 million deal just before the deadline on Wednesday night.

Jefferson gets $65M, says not worth max (AP)
Al Jefferson could have waited until next summer to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In fact, that was what his agent advised him to do, hoping that a big season and his status as a restricted free agent would have brought the 22-year-old power forward the highest contract allowable under league rules.

Budding star Jefferson awarded extension
Forward Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves announced a multiyear contract extension on Wednesday night. The 22-year-old Jefferson was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31. Financial terms were not disclosed. "Al has proven that at only 22 years of age he is among the rising stars in the NBA," said Kevin McHale, Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations.

Smith, Davis give Minnesota preseason win
Craig Smith scored 20 points, and Ricky Davis had 19 to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 113-110 double-overtime preseason victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Al Jefferson finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Rashad McCants scored 18 points for the Timberwolves (2-3), who led by as many as 23 points in the first half. Jeff Foster had 12 points and 20 rebounds for the Pacers (4-1), while Marquis Daniels and Jamaal Tinsley both added 18 points and Travis Diener had 16.

Al Jefferson, F/C - MIN
Jefferson has 17 boards in Wolves debut Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Timberwolves beat Turkish team 84-81 (AP)
Al Jefferson had 11 points and 17 rebounds, fellow newcomer Ryan Gomes scored 12 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Efes Pilsen 84-81 Saturday in the first game of the NBA Europe Live tour. Gomes had 10 points and nine rebounds in the first half. Ricky Davis scored 12 points. Drew Nicholas scored 24 points, and Andre Hutson had 15 points and 19 rebounds for the Turkish team.