Jazz post first win of year by beating the Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY — For the first time this season, uniforms weren't the only things that made the pro basketball team from the Beehive State resemble the Utah Jazz.

On Sunday night, the players sporting the J-note logos actually looked and played like a Jerry Sloan-coached, Deron Williams-led, well-executing NBA machine.

After consecutive clunkers to open the 2010-11 season, the Jazz rocked and shocked the Northwest Division favorite Oklahoma City Thunder and showed their revamped potential in a much-needed 120-99 victory at the Ford Center.

On this Halloween night, these guys' costumes and results were quite convincing.

"We proved that we can play defense," Jazz power forward Paul Millsap said. "We proved that we can move the ball like we're supposed to. We proved that we can make shots, and hopefully we can start a string of wins."

Sure beats the alternative.

Not only was it the first of the season after back-to-back double-digit losses, but it also prevented Utah from starting 0-3 for the first time since the inaugural season in Salt Lake City back in 1979.

"This is huge," Millsap said. "Especially starting 0-2, to come into a hostile environment with this good team like the Thunder, to come out with a win — that's good for our team."

And Millsap was one of the many reasons why the Jazz got the chance to thoroughly enjoy being on the other side of a blowout for a change.

The Jazz's starting forward had a monstrous night, scoring 30 points, hauling in 16 rebounds, dishing out six assists and looking like he could be the next Jazz big man to merit All-Star consideration.

Center Al Jefferson had a quick description for Millsap's effort.

"One word," he said. "Beast."

That description was fitting for the team, which came out with a high energy and execution level that was missing from the two lopsided losses.

Pitted against up-and-comer Russell Westbrook, point guard Deron Williams had his own beast of a night making the Jazz offense go and flow. Williams scored 16 points, pulled down six rebounds and had a season-high 15 assists in an enthusiastic effort reminiscent of his previous All-Star performances.

"He was terrific all night long," Sloan said. "He had 15 assists and all of them were terrific plays. It just made our execution look like we knew what we were doing."