Croatia international Gordan Giricek scored 25 points as the Utah Jazz captured a 92-81 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies to move one-half game ahead of Denver for the eighth and final
play-off spot in the Western Conference.

Giricek, who once played for the Grizzlies, made 8-of-18 shots and reached double figures for the 11th time in 15 games.

Russia's Andrei Kirilenko collected 17 points and 11 rebounds and Carlos Arroyo chipped in 14 for Utah, who overcame 37 percent shooting (29-of-78) and held an overwhelming 56-39 rebounding advantage.

The Grizzlies, who already have clinched their first play-off berth, were without Spanish international Pau Gasol (foot) and Bonzi Wells (back). They also lost point guard Jason Williams, who was ejected for arguing an offensive foul call with 15 seconds left in the first half.

James Posey scored 18 points for Memphis (49-28), who are fifth in the West.