Al Jefferson scored a season-high 31 points and chipped in with 15 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz past Orlando Magic 87-81.
"That's the reason I bought the $25,000 bed," the Associated Press quoted Jefferson as saying. "It was worth every dime. That's why I can't wait to get home and get in it right now."
Magic coach Jacque Vaughn was all praise for Jefferson. "Al stays within himself," Vaughn said. "He knows his game and he makes jump shots, which makes his post game even more difficult to guard. ... When you get a guy like him rolling, he is tough to stop."
Utah started off well and took a 24-15 lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, they extended their lead by scoring 21 against Orlando's 19.
For the Jazz, Paul Millsap, who added 22 points and had eight out of 14 attempts from the field, scored 16 points in the first half to help his team start the second half with a 14-point lead.
Glen Davis top scored for Orlando with 18 points while also taking down 12 rebounds. Jameer Nelson added 17, with Arron Afflalo and J.J. Reddick contributing 16 and 14 points respectively.
The Magic, who could score only 34 points in the first half, fought back in the third quarter, reducing the gap to 56-53.
But Utah again took a 11-point lead with a 12-4 run. Jefferson scored 17 points out of his 31, in the third quarter, making six out of 9 attempts.
"Tonight the shots were falling and, of course, we didn't want to (lose) four games in a row," Jefferson said. "No disrespect to Orlando, but they're the type of team you can attack on the inside."
However despite the lead going into the third quarter, Davis and J.J. Redick's three-point plays with 4:20 remaining in the game reduced the gap to 78-77. But Jefferson took over in the final stretch, making back-to-back jumpers to ensure victory for the Jazz.
"That's why I get paid the big bucks," Jefferson added. "They expect me to go out there and lead the team, nothing less."
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