Stubborn Spurs Extend but Can’t Break the Jazz

The playoff-tested Utah Jazz kept cool in overtime, making five free throws in the last 15 seconds and posting a 109-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

The Jazz took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal.

The Spurs still have never won a playoff game in Salt Lake City, while the Jazz won its fourth consecutive playoff home game.

Karl Malone drove the baseline and dunked to give the Jazz a 102-101 lead with 1:18 left in overtime. San Antonio rookie Tim Duncan missed two free throws and Utah’s Bryon Russell made a jumper with 36 seconds left.

Vinny Del Negro’s running shot with 25 seconds left cut the lead to 104-103, but Jeff Hornacek made two free throws and Avery Johnson missed a wild shot.

After two free throws by Russell, Jaren Jackson sank a three-point basket to cut the lead to 108-106. But Hornacek made one more free throw, and Del Negro’s desperation heave missed at the buzzer.

The Spurs’ Jaren Jackson missed a wide-open jumper at the end of regulation play.

Utah which stole a lackluster 83-82 victory in the first game of the series, looked more like the team that finished with the NBA’s best record and earned home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Games 3 and 4 are Saturday and Sunday in San Antonio.

After scoring 33 points in Game 1, Duncan once again led the Spurs with 26 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. But Duncan missed his only field goal attempt and both of his free throws in overtime.

David Robinson finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds despite foul trouble, while Avery Johnson had another standout game for the Spurs, scoring 21 points.

Malone led the Jazz with 22 points despite shooting 10 for 26 from the field.