Utah Jazz: Alec Burks scores 21, helps Jazz finish off Rockets

The Jazz's Alec Burks is rolling again.

After a fast start to the season disappeared into a series of non-impact performances, Burks capped an impressive three-game stretch Monday night by scoring 21 points during Utah's 109-103 win over Houston at EnergySolutions Arena.

Burks averaged 16.3 points on 17-for-32 shooting in two games against Phoenix and the victory over the Rockets.

Not coincidentally, the Jazz won two of the three.

"I thought he had a great game," coach Tyrone Corbin said. "I thought he attacked and I thought he was good defensively. For the most part, he was in the right spots. He was poised with the ball. He was able to [find] gaps and get in there and make some tough shots."

After his highest-scoring game since he had 24 in the opener on Oct. 30, Burks was more happy about the Jazz's victory than his individual numbers.

"We got the win," he said. "That's all that matters."

Pressed to assess his own play, Burks shrugged and said, "It was fine. ... I made some shots. It was a good game."

Burks started his important contribution in the final 38.9 seconds of the first half.

After Corbin subbed him back into the game a minute earlier, Burks nailed a three-pointer to wipe out Houston's final lead and push Utah in front, 51-50.

The Rockets' James Harden quickly tried a three-pointer, which missed. After rebounding, Gordon Hayward found Burks behind the defense. His dunk with gave the Jazz a 53-50 halftime lead.

"It's good to see [Burks] play like that," said teammate Derrick Favors. "It makes it easier for everybody else."

In the second half, Burks played 20 minutes. He scored 16 points.

His 3-pointer with 7:43 left gave the Jazz an 89-86 lead. He also scored five points down the stretch.

Burks' two free throws made it 101-98 with 2:16 left. His floater with 1:38 remaining gave Utah a 105-100 lead.

"He's one of our guys who can put pressure on the rim off the dribble," said Corbin, who finished the game with a lineup of Trey Burke, Hayward, Favors and Burks with veteran Marvin Williams.

"This is what we talked about right from the beginning — for them to get experience. ... It's good to see them on the floor and have success because the only way to learn is to go through it." —

Alec Burks' statistics the last three games

Opp. Min. FGs Threes FTs Rebs. Assts. Points

Houston 31 7-11 3-4 4-5 3 4 21

Phoenix 32 5-9 1-1 2-3 3 5 13

Phoenix 24 5-12 0-0 6-7 5 0 15