Utah Jazz: Harpring starts, sparks victory

It's been a difficult year for Matt Harpring. The veteran Utah Jazz forward, who turns 33 next month, has been slowed by health issues as a result of numerous injuries and surgeries the past few years. Both his playing time and his effectiveness when on the court have been limited this season.

But Monday night at EnergySolutions Arena, Harpring was just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Jazz. Harpring made his first start since April 14, 2007, count, as he helped Utah to a 106-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Matt did a great job setting the tone," teammate Kyle Korver said.

Carlos Boozer agreed. "Matty was fantastic," said the Jazz's starting power forward.

Harpring finished with nine points, four rebounds, one block and one steal — but it was his attitude and hustle that were more important than his stats.

Harpring got the start in place of C.J. Miles, who was a late scratch because his dislocated index finger became swollen. It marked the 19th different starting lineup for the Jazz this season.

When Miles missed three games earlier with the same injury, Andrei Kirilenko started in his place. This time, however, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan decided to go with Harpring, moving Kirilenko back to his sixth- man role off the bench. "He knocked and banged around out there and got some things early in the ballgame that we wouldn't have gotten," Sloan said. Despite starting both halves, Harpring still played just 15 minutes total — seven in the first quarter and eight in the third. But he made the most of them. "I just try to do what I do," said Harpring, who has made a name for himself over the years by being physical and making hustle plays. "I got a little winded out there, but that's part of the game. . . . When I get my number called I just have got to do my best and that's all I can do."

The Clippers actually opened up an early lead. But Harpring took the ball coast-to-coast for a layup to cut L.A.'s lead to one with 6:37 to play in the first. Then came up with a steal and another layup to give the Jazz a 14-13 lead with 6:10 remaining in the opening quarter. The Jazz never trailed again and the home fans gave Harpring a big ovation shortly thereafter when he left the game.

"(Harpring) is going to compete," Sloan said. "He's going to give you what he's got. He's just had some trouble with his legs and his feet to do that on a consistent basis."

Harpring's biggest play in the second half came when he got tangled up with the Clippers' star point guard Baron Davis while going for a rebound. Davis threw Harpring to the floor and while both players were whistled for personal fouls, Davis was hit with a technical. Jazz fans booed Davis every time he touched the ball the remainder of the game.

"I try to frustrate other players," Harpring said.

While Miles is expected back in the near future, it's clear that Sloan has plans to continue using Harping in some capacity in the postseason.

"Hopefully we'll try to use (Harpring) in the playoffs," Sloan said.

E-mail: lojo@desnews.com