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Jamaal Tinsley's role with the Jazz hasn't changed.

Neither has his professional approach to his job.

Last season, Tinsley played in 37 of Utah's 66 games as a backup point guard.

When he got on the court, he usually contributed. When he didn't play — even for long stretches — he never complained.

This season, Tinsley will once again play behind scheduled starter Mo Williams. He will likely be the No. 3 point guard when Earl Watson returns from knee surgery. In the Jazz's 83-80 loss at Golden State on Monday night, Tinsley contributed two points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals in 26 minutes.

Typical.

"He's such a professional," said coach Tyrone Corbin. "He's done such a great job — just being ready when his name is called. …

"He's going to make plays. He's a tempo guy that controls the tempo the entire time he's out there. He gets us into our offense."

Said Tinsley: "My role is to help us win ball games and make sure we get a good shot every time. Just lead the team — on the court and off the court, whether I'm playing or not playing. Just be a mentor for the younger guys."

Tinsley continues to play despite a painful wisdom tooth that might have to eventually be pulled.

"They've put a lot of pain medicine in there to calm it down," Tinsley said. "They did a good job. Hopefully, I don't get hit in the mouth and have a setback."

Marvelous Marvin

Newly acquired Marvin Williams scored 13 points against Golden State.

The 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward shot six free throws in 22 minutes, partly because the Jazz posted him against smaller defenders on a handful of possessions.

It's a strategy Corbin plans to use throughout the season.

"His ability to get down low will give us another weapon close to the basket," Corbin said. "… He got fouled every time he went down there, so it's a weapon we can use."

Watson 'slowly' on mend

Watson, who underwent knee surgery in April, is "slowly" increasing his on-court activity while continuing to rehab his injury.

"I feel good," Watson said. "Still progressing. It just takes time. But I'm being patient and positive. Every day it's getting better."

Watson attended UCLA, which plays host to Utah in a Pac-12 football game on Saturday.

Asked if he expected the Bruins to beat the Utes, Watson smiled and said, "We're pretty good at home. We're more consistent at home. So you never know."