Even under what some considered seemingly dire circumstances, yes, there were plenty of fun Jazz highlights -- including a very satisfying didn't-see-it-coming-like-that 97-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I think we have to give our guys some credit for the effort they put into it, because we were a little bit shorthanded," Sloan said. "It's a lot more fun to win when nobody in this world thinks you have a chance."

The highlights, mind you, came despite the injury-plagued Jazz playing without Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and, for the first time in three years, Paul Millsap.

They came despite Sloan having to draw up a 10th different starting lineup, which included a 19-year-old rookie (Kosta Koufos) and a 223-pound power forward (Andrei Kirilenko), who missed 11 of 12 shots in his first starter's role of the season.

The highlights didn't just come from temporary starters Koufos (18 points, eight rebounds) and Kirilenko (14 rebounds, nine points on 1-for-12 shooting). They also came from previously struggling and sick Ronnie Brewer (21 points and seven rebounds), C.J. Miles (14 points) and, of all people, Kyrylo Fesenko (eight points, four rebounds).

They also came despite playing a surging and dangerous Dallas team that had won three in a row, including a victory against Portland on Christmas night.

No wonder Utah's 66-year-old coach was far more giddy than grumpy after his rag-tag group ended the Jazz's two-game funk. Sure, the Mavericks (17-12) might have been tired, but Utah (18-13) was even more undermanned if you're going to compare built-in excuses.

"I thought our guys really played well," Sloan said. "Our guys were kind of shorthanded, but they came out and really did a nice job, trying to run our offense and execute.

"It really seemed," he added, "like they pulled together and tried to win the game right from the beginning of the ballgame. I was happy about that."

It showed -- almost as much as it showed how frustrated Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki was when, in succession, he got constantly hounded by Kirilenko, then got pushed from behind by Fesenko, then responded by smacking Matt Harpring in the face with a backhand, then got ejected with 9:48 remaining. That sequence helped Utah build a game-high 15- point lead.

The Jazz's unexpected energetic performance on both ends of the floor seemed to fluster the energy-zapped Mavericks for much of the game. With contributions from multiple players, Utah turned a one- point first-quarter lead into a 53-44 halftime advantage.

The Jazz maintained that lead -- and crucial momentum -- for most of the second half despite a 26-point outing from Jason Terry. Nowitzki was held to 17 points before hitting the showers early, and Josh Howard cooled off after a torrid start to finish with 18 points.

It also helped the Jazz that Deron Williams bested Jason Kidd, his childhood hero, in the point-guard battle. Williams had 17 points and 13 assists, while Kidd wound up with seven points on 2-for-10 shooting, nine dishes and eight boards.

"Give Utah credit. They're undermanned," said Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. "They played a great game. They had some guys really step up and they deserved it."

Kirilenko didn't see why so much fuss was being made about contributions coming from unlikely sources like Koufos and Fesenko.

"Unexpected for you guys, but we know they're capable to play and have a good game," he said. "Finally they have a chance, they have an opportunity to show what they can do. And they were terrific tonight.

"... They (were) really a huge part of our team tonight."

There was no translation needed from the Jazz's resident Ukraine resident. He felt the same as Sloan.

"It was fun to prove to everybody that me and Kosta we are capable to show a good game," said Fesenko, who also had three blocks. "So a lot of people was saying without Memo, Carlos and Paul they (the Jazz) will not be any good. We proved that you are wrong."

And a fun night was had by all -- except for Dallas.

The question: Will the Jazz have as much fun and as many unexpected highlights when they travel to Houston tonight to complete a back-to-back set? E-mail: jody@desnews.com