Dantley Scores 34, Jazz Pulls Away From the Clippers

Jeff Wilkins came off the bench to score 16 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to spark the Utah Jazz to a 123-104 victory over the Clippers Tuesday night at the Salt Palace.

Adrian Dantley, who scored 34 points, picked up nine of those in the fourth quarter and Thurl Bailey added eight as the Jazz outscored the Clippers, 34-18, in the first nine minutes of the period to break open a tight game.

Bailey finished with 22 points while Bobby Hansen scored 14 points in his first NBA start, filling in for the injured Darrell Griffith.

Derek Smith led the Clippers with 25 points. Norm Nixon added 18 points and contributed 10 assists, and James Donaldson scored 16 points.

Utah improved its playoff position hopes with the victory, but remained in the seventh position in the Western Conference.

Dantley scored 13 points in the first quarter as the Jazz moved out to a 33-29 advantage.

The Clippers came back to knot the score at halftime, 56-56, with Smith scoring 10 points in the second quarter.

Nixon countered with 11 points in the third quarter to help keep the Clippers close at 83-79 going into the fourth quarter.

The Jazz built their lead to 93-84 in the first four minutes of the final quarter and continued to increase their lead until the finish.

Utah outscored the Clippers, 40-25, in the fourth quarter.

“We showed what kind of basketball we’re capable of playing tonight. We also showed how deep we are,” Utah Coach Frank Layden said. “I’m pleased with the way Pace Mannion and Rich Kelley played in the second half. Bobby Hansen played well starting for Darrell. I understand the pressure he felt, but he came through.”