Utah Jazz notebook: Bench contributed points, energy
The Jazz reserves outscored their L.A. counterparts, 39-16 — netted a postseason high while helping Utah even the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
"Our bench was phenomenal," said Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer.
The four reserves who saw action — Kyle Korver, Matt Harpring, Paul Millsap and Ronnie Price — didn't just score. They also combined for 11 rebounds (six offensive), five steals, four assists and two blocked shots.
Most of contributions came in the fourth quarter when Utah expanded its lead to double-digits.
"I was really impressed," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "The thing that really kind of seemed to give us a little bit of life was our second group gave us a lift."
Korver led the reserves with 14 points, while Harpring added 12.
Millsap and Price finished with nine and four points, respectively.
"It was a tough game, a great battle and everybody played well for us. Our bench stepped up and provided us with a lot of scoring, a lot of energy, especially in the beginning of the fourth quarter," said point guard Deron Williams. "We're going to need that, we have to take that over to L.A. and try to get one there."
COACH HORNACEK? ESPN and the East Valley Tribune in Arizona have listed former Jazz guard and current special assistant coach Jeff Hornacek as a potential candidate to become the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns — replacing Mike D'Antonio, who took the New York Knicks job,
Hornacek, a former Suns player, expressed interest in the position but said he hasn't been contacted by team president and general manager Steve Kerr or anyone else in the organization about it.
"I haven't talked to any of those guys yet, so ... If Steve calls, well, I'll talk to him," Hornacek said after Sunday's game at EnergySolutions Arena. "He asked me my interest last year in coaching and stuff like that. So, who knows?"
Hornacek, however, isn't surprised his name is in the mix of speculation. He played for the Suns from 1986-92 and resides in Paradise Valley, Ariz.
"I'm sure now that Mike has moved on that they'll start talking to people," said Hornacek. "I talked to Steve last summer and he started asking me about my interest in coaching. So if he calls, like I said, I'll talk to him and see what he has to say."
FACES IN THE CROWD: "High School Musical" stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu, who are filming the latest installment of their movie at East High, attended Sunday's game. Bleu drew a few jeers from the crowd for wearing a Lakers jersey.
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