Utah Jazz: Williams looks to end 'curse' in San Antonio

As far as Deron Williams is concerned, there is something in Texas that's way too big.

The former Dallas resident is downright determined to do something about it tonight, too.

It's been more than 10 years since the Utah Jazz have won in San Antonio, and Williams believes it's about time the Spurs' huge winning streak against them ended.

"We're not going to talk about it," Williams said after Wednesday's win over Toronto. "We're just going to go down there and get a victory."

Neither team will be at full strength for tonight's 6:30 p.m. clash at the AT&T Center, where Utah has never won. The Jazz have lost 20 straight in San Antonio since winning at the Alamdome on Feb. 28, 1999.

The Jazz will have to do so without a starter who helped them beat San Antonio earlier this season in Utah. Mehmet Okur, who had 10 points in the 113-99 win a couple of weeks ago, did not travel to Texas with the team because of flu-like symptoms.

San Antonio, however, will be missing sixth-man Manu Ginobili, who strained his left groin in a loss to Dallas on Wednesday night, and point guard Tony Parker is listed as doubtful with a sprained left ankle.

Of course, Williams doesn't care who is on the court. He — and the Jazz — simply want to get a rare victory in San Antonio.

"We've got to forget this curse thing," he said, "and just go down there and win."

Utah at a loss in San Antonio

(The Jazz have lost 20 straight times playing the Spurs on the road in the regular season. Utah's margin of defeat during that streak is 15.85 points per game.)

1999: 101-87, W; 84-78, L

1999-2000: 93-86, L; 106-83, L

2000-01: 86-79, L; 106-88, L

2001-02: 100-80, L; 102-98, L

2002-03: 107-85, L; 101-81, L

2003-04: 87-78, L; 85-81, L

2004-05: 109-76, L; 101-94, L

2005-06: 115-82, L

2006-07: 106-83, L; 102-93, L

2007-08: 104-98, L; 109-80, L

2008-09: 119-94, L; 105-99, L

e-mail: jody@desnews.com