Instant Replay: Jazz 102, Sixers 99

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SALT LAKE CITYAll too often in the NBA, a team is minus its best player, yet the troops rally and pull off the unexpected victory. That was exactly the case in this one as the Sixers were handed a 102-99 defeat.

The Sixers certainly thought they caught a break when about 30 minutes before game time the Jazz announced that Al Jefferson would not dress because of an inflamed right ankle. Jefferson averages 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Turning point
The Sixers led 37-24 with 10:41 to play in the second quarter. They proceeded to shoot 6 of 18 to finish the quarter. Their defense let them down as well. The Jazz shot 50 percent from the floor in the second period after being held to 41 percent in the first quarter.

Furthermore, the Sixers sent the Jazz to the line for 13 free throw attempts of which Utah made 11. At the other end, the visitors were not nearly aggressive enough, making 4 of 4 free throws in the quarter.

Utah led 53-51 at the half. A subdued crowd had been stirred and the momentum had shifted.
What a fourth quarter
Big shots were made at both ends of the court. Unfortunately, the play that stands out is Andre Iguodala on the foul line shooting two free throws with 2:10 to play and a chance to give the Sixers the lead. He missed them both, badly. The Sixers were 8 for 13 at the line in the fourth quarter.

Utah, however, gave the Sixers two gifts in the final 30 seconds, the first a quick foul on Lou Williams on an in-bounds play with 29 seconds to go. He made them both to pull within two.

On Utahs ensuing possession, Devin Harris traveled setting up a Williams drive to the basket with 13.8 seconds. It fell off the rim as did Spencer Hawes offensive tip.

Williams three-point attempt with 0.9 seconds, which would have tied the game, was a good look but just short.

Follow the leader
Jrue Holiday led the Sixers in scoring with 22 points, while Williams had 20. Five Sixers were in double figures.

Derrick Favors led the Jazz with 20 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds.

Stat-egic
Defensive rebounding was essential for the Sixers given the size of Utahs frontcourt even without Jefferson. Paul Milsap, Favors and Enes Kanter each average eight rebounds per game. In the first quarter, the Sixers had 11 defensive rebounds to Utahs three.

Take a bow
For a third consecutive game, Hawes grabbed double-figure rebounds, leading his team in that category with 13. He also scored 15 points.

Williams is a gamer. Eleven of his 20 points came in the fourth quarter when the Sixers were clawing their way back.

Whats next?
The Sixers will play the first of 16 back-to-backs Saturday night at Golden State. Additionally, they will play two back-to back-to-back sets.

Golden State is 2-1 and did not play on Friday. Stephen Curry was inactive in the Warriors last game because of a sprained right ankle and is listed as day-day.

Golden State is led by first-year head coach Mark Jackson who, like Doug Collins, came from the broadcast booth before taking to the Warriors sideline.

E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com.

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