Jefferson says he wasn't out to prove anything

--C Al Jefferson swears he wasn't trying to prove he belonged in the All-Star Game instead of Memphis center Marc Gasol, who earned his first trip thanks to coaches' votes.

But the Jazz big's play Sunday was impressive against Gasol. Jefferson finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. His outing outdueled Gasol's 17-point, nine-board night.

"It wasn't no personal battle," Jefferson said. "It was just a game that we had to win."

Jefferson said he congratulated Gasol, who in turn told the Jazz center he also belonged in the All-Star Game.

--The Jazz hadn't hit half of their shots in a game for 11 consecutive contests before Sunday night. Utah went 42 of 83 (50.6 percent) from the field, marking the first time the team shot 50 percent or better since a Jan. 21 win over Minnesota (51.9 percent).

Utah improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 on the road when it reaches .500 shooting.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We talk about being a playoff team. We talk about being one of the top teams in the West. We've got to pay like we did tonight. No excuses." -- Jazz center Al Jefferson after Utah beat Memphis 98-88 to get back on a winning track after three straight losses.

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