Jazz shut down Rockets, cruise into second round
Updated: 2008-05-03 16:15
NEW YORK - The Utah Jazz used a decisive third quarter to defeat the Houston Rockets 113-91 and win their Western Conference series 4-2 on Friday.
 Houston Rockets' Shane Battier (L) and Dikembe Mutombo sit dejected as the Utah Jazz eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs in Game 6 of their NBA basketball playoff series in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 2, 2008. [Agencies] |
Deron Williams scored 13 of his 25 points in the period to send the Jazz into the second round against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I was looking to give my team mates the ball in the first half," Williams, who had nine assists for the game, told reporters. "I felt we should pick up the scoring a little bit (in the third quarter) so I decided to be a little more aggressive."
The win came despite a 40-point performance by the Rockets' Tracy McGrady.
Also on Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated the Washington Wizards, winning 105-88 behind LeBron James's 27 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to wrap up their series 4-2.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks beat the visiting Boston Celtics 103-100 to force Game Seven in Boston on Sunday. Joe Johnson's three-pointer with 1:07 to play gave the Hawks a five-point lead.
Utah outscored Houston 27-11 in the third quarter to turn a four-point game into a 20-point rout.
Williams spurred the swing with four three-pointers and a free throw.
Mehmet Okur added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz with Carlos Boozer contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Collectively, seven Jazz players scored in double figures.
McGrady also had 10 rebounds for the Rockets but he had little help. Luis Scola was the only other Houston player in double figures with 15.
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