Nets blowout Utah Jazz at ESA

The Jazz sure could have used a few of those third-quarter points they scored against the Kings tonight.

Twenty-four hours after exploding for 44 points in an incredible quarter Friday, Utah struggled to hit anything in the third period against the New Jersey Nets.

The Jazz's slump proved costly. The Nets seized control in the third period en route to a rare blowout win for a visiting team at EnergySolutions Arena, as they thumped Utah 105-88.

Utah only scored 16 points in the third and, after trailing by eight at halftime, fell behind by as many as 23 points early in the fourth quarter.

The loss dropped Utah to 11-7 and was the Jazz's second home loss this week. It was also their worst home loss since April 2007.

But it could turn out to be even more costly as the injury bug bit another Jazz player.

Andrei Kirilenko played in the first half, but the Jazz sub did not return in the second half after experiencing right ankle inflammation. In just under 10 minutes of action, Utah's sixth man scored three points and grabbed two rebounds.

The Jazz played again without the injured Carlos Boozer, Matt Harpring, Brevin Knight and Jarron Collins.

New Jersey's backcourt really killed Utah, even though the Jazz had Deron Williams back in the lineup again. Point guard Devin Harris scored 34 points and shooting guard Vince Carter added 22 points for the 8-7 Nets.

Paul Millsap led Utah with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while C.J. Miles added 16 points. Mehmet Okur had a quiet double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Williams added 10 points and 13 assists.

New Jersey took control of the game in the second quarter. After taking a timeout following a 9-2 spurt for Utah, the Nets went on their own 9-0 scoring spree and took a 59-51 lead into the break.

The Jazz hit the road next as they face the Kings again Tuesday in Sacramento, a few days after beating them 120-94. Utah then returns for two more home games Wednesday and Friday.