Jazz 106 - 96 Nuggets
Final
  for this game

Northwest rivals clash in the Rockies when Nuggets host Jazz

Jan 15, 2012 - 3:39 PM (Sports Network) - Fresh off a big win over Deron Williams and the Nets, Utah will travel to the Rockies to face off with Northwest Division rival Denver.

The Jazz got the best of their former franchise player in his return to Salt Lake City on Saturday, 107-94.

Williams, who spent his first five-plus NBA seasons with the Jazz, was met with a mix of boos and cheers in his return after being dealt to the Nets last February under acrimonious circumstances when his relationship with then-head coach Jerry Sloan crumbled.

"I expected it," the All-Star said.

Williams scored 16 points, but shot just 3-of-15 from the floor, as the Jazz downed his Nets to win for the sixth time in their last seven games.

"It wasn't a very good one for me," said Williams. "It was fun to be back in the building and fun to see all my ex-teammates. ... We just didn't have any legs. They looked like a fresh team. They were beating us to loose balls, getting offensive rebounds. They just looked a lot more energized than we did."

Al Jefferson scored 20 points to lead Utah, Paul Millsap netted 18 and C.J. Miles contributed 17 points off the bench.

"It was an emotional game for everyone," Millsap said, "but I'm glad we got the win."

The Nuggets, meanwhile, have won two straight after disposing of Miami, 117-104, on Friday behind Ty Lawson's 24 points and nine assists. Lawson returned to the lineup after missing the club's previous game with a sprained foot.

Nene added 17 points and 12 rebounds while both Rudy Fernandez and Al Harrington scored 15 for the Nuggets, winners of six of eight overall. Denver shot 55.1 percent overall and a sizzling 12-of-25 from long range in the contest.

"My emphasis at every timeout was don't stop running," coach George Karl said. "Try to run every possession."

The Nuggets, who are 6-1 at Pepsi Center this season, have taken six of their last seven home meetings with Utah, including a 117-100 triumph on Dec. 28 behind 25 points from Nene.






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