SALT LAKE CITY — Utah coach Jerry Sloan was uncharacteristically complimentary of his team after the Jazz beat the Boston Celtics, 90-85, last night.

Utah did it with the kind of style the coach just loves — nasty.

"They put a body on you. They knock you around," Sloan said of the defending NBA champion. "Our guys, sometimes we want to play in a tuxedo. And when you're playing against those guys, you better get it off and get ready to get nasty."

The Jazz did just that.

Utah outscored Boston 30-19 in the fourth quarter, going 12-for-17 from the floor as the Celtics played without All-Star forward Kevin Garnett, who strained his right knee late in the second quarter and did not return. Garnett warmed up before the second half, but the Celtics kept him out as a precaution.

Garnett released a statement after the game, saying he would have the knee re-examined today.

Boston led by 11 in the third quarter, but couldn't hold off the Jazz at the end. The Celtics hurt themselves with 19 turnovers and were 19-for-29 from the foul line.

"I think our defense was great and gave us a chance to win the game," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "It really came down to free throws by us and turnovers. We make our free throws, we win the game. And if we don't turn the ball over, we win the game."

SPURS 83, PISTONS 79

Tim Duncan had 18 points and 18 rebounds, and Tony Parker added 19 points and 11 assists, and visiting San Antonio took a 64-58 lead into the fourth quarter and didn't trail thereafter in beating Detroit.