After a postseason off, the Jazz will be back in the NBA’s Big Dance once again after eliminating the Phoenix Suns in a tense and thrilling 100-88 victory Tuesday night at EnergySolutions Arena.

“You know, it’s a credit to these guys,” Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said.

Earlier Tuesday, center Al Jefferson admitted, “It’s the biggest game of my life.” Hours later, he played like he meant it, especially late when he scored eight consecutive points to almost single-handedly put the Suns away and punch the Jazz’s playoff ticket.

Jefferson ended up with 18 points, 16 rebounds and his first trip to the playoffs since his rookie season with Boston in 2005.

“Seven long years since I’ve been in the playoffs. It’s a blessing,” Jefferson said. “It’s a great opportunity to get here. A lot of people counted us out. Nobody thought this team would be in a position to get in the playoffs, and we made it. It’s a great group of guys and everyone on our team deserves it.”

via Jody Genessy of the Deseret News