Spurs in tune with 111-102 win over Jazz
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs took another step toward securing home-court advantage throughout the NBA postseason with a 111-102 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
San Antonio seized control of a close first half with a 15-2 run that straddled halftime, and held off a surge by the Jazz early in the fourth that saw the Spurs' lead narrowed to 91-85.
Richard Jefferson scored 20 points and Tony Parker had 13 as all five Spurs starters scored double digits despite seeing limited action after opening up a large lead.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"All year long, and pretty much most of my career, whenever I score big numbers it's because my teammates got me the ball," said Jefferson, who connected on 4-of 7 from three point range.
"A lob from Gary Neal, some passes from Tony Parker early really got me going. Last year I struggled a little bit, especially from the 3-point line.
"This summer when I worked with the coaches I really focused in on that because that was my role. It's really helped me this season."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Spurs bench added 44 points, led by Tiago Splitter's 13 and Gary Neal added 12 points, as San Antonio cruised to their fourth win in a row.
"I feel that is what makes their team so special," Jazz forward Paul Millsap said. "They have guys that can come off the bench and score the basketball. They truly play basketball out there."
Al Jefferson led the Jazz with 23 points.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Alastair Himmer)