Utah Jazz hold off late charge, defeat Orlando Magic at home

SALT LAKE CITY — Center Al Jefferson scored 31 points and 15 rebounds but had to be taken to the locker room late in the fourth quarter as the Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic, 87-81.

Jefferson dominated the second half, scoring almost at will on an overmatched Magic defense. But he came down awkwardly while grabbing a rebound and collapsed to the floor with just over a minute left in the game. He was helped to his feet and hobbled to the locker room. The injury was later reported to be back spasms.

Fortunately for the Jazz, by that point Jefferson had done enough. His play was a large factor in holding off a fourth-quarter Magic run.

The Jazz led by double digits for much of the game, but the Magic went on a 10-2 run to take a 79-78 lead with 3:32 remaining. Randy Foye then hit a three-pointer and Jefferson made two baskets to put the Jazz up for good.

Paul Millsap added 22 points, four rebounds and three blocks for Utah (10-10). Glen Davis led Orlando (7-11) with 18 points.

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