MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Mehmet Okur's 21 points and 13 rebounds Tuesday helped the Utah Jazz beat Minnesota 99-96 and spoil Kevin McHale's return to the bench from the front office.
McHale took over head coaching duties Monday when Minnesota fired Coach Randy Wittman after a 4-15 start to the season. But the Timberwolves lost their sixth in a row.
Ronnie Brewer had 25 points for the Jazz. Paul Millsap had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Utah, while Deron Williams 12 points and 11 assists.
Al Jefferson scored 21 points to lead Minnesota. Randy Foye added 17 points, Craig Smith 15 and Ryan Gomes 14 for the Timberwolves.
This marks the second time McHale has taken over the coaching duties after the coach was fired. After Skip Saunders was dismissed during the 2004-2005 season, McHale, the team's vice president for basketball operations since 1995, took over and compiled a 19-12 record down the stretch. This time, however, McHale is not expected to return to the front office at the end of the season.
