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Williams, Boozer lead Jazz past Clippers

Dec 14, 2006 - 6:24 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and the Utah Jazz may be starting to turn things around away from home.

Williams tied a career high with 28 points and handed out 14 assists and Boozer contributed 28 points and 15 rebounds as the Jazz snapped a three-game road losing streak with a 105-86 victory over the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers.

Mehmet Okur sank four 3-pointers and scored 18 points for Utah, which also ended a four-game slide against the Clippers at the Staples Center.

Holding a 75-68 lead after three quarters, the Jazz took control behind Williams and Boozer. The duo combined for all of Utah's points during a decisive 13-4 run to start the fourth period for an 88-72 cushion.

"They're getting to know each other better," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "Williams hasn't played with him very much because Carlos was injured last year. They should get better as time goes on."

"It's (the connection with Boozer) been there all season," Williams said. "I try to look for him, he's a guy that's going to finish for me and makes it easy for me. I'm trying to help him out too."

Boozer played in just 33 games last season due to a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles' defense down the stretch was so poor that Williams was able to convert back-to-back uncontested layups.

"I was getting to the hole pretty easy so why shy away from that," Williams said. "My shot wasn't really falling the way I like it to, so I try to get on top of the basketball. I'll take what they (Clippers) give me."

Elton Brand netted 20 points and Chris Kaman added 19 and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which was without Sam Cassell (plantar fasciitis) and Corey Maggette (knee).

"Without Sam and Corey we are definitely shorthanded, but we have guys who can step up and they are going to have to step up so we can get some victories," Brand said.

The Clippers have lost both of their meetings against the Jazz this season.