Williams, who has replaced Jameer Nelson in the starting lineup, has played well this season, but he has struggled badly on those second nights, which might have something to do with his age (33).

Earlier this season, he scored 25 points against Miami, then failed to score the next night against Atlanta. He scored 12 points against Milwaukee, then had just five points the next night against New York.

In the two second-night games combined, he made just 2-of-10 shots.

His drop-off is significant because the Magic is following Thursday night's loss in Utah with a game Friday in Phoenix. Williams was outplayed badly Thursday by Deron Williams of Utah. And things are likely to get harder Friday against Steve Nash.

The Magic has been using Williams as the starter and Anthony Johnson, 34, as the backup since Nelson left Nov. 18 with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Even with Thursday's loss, the Magic is 9-2 since Nelson left the lineup. In the games in which Williams has struggled, Johnson has been there to pick up the slack.

This latest road trip might be a real test. After winning at Golden State and in Los Angeles against the Clippers, the Magic was exposed in Utah. Phoenix will be an even tougher test.

JAZZ 120, MAGIC 111: After leading by as many as 18 points in the second quarter, the Magic collapsed in the second half, falling meekly to the Jazz. Vince Carter had 34 points, but he made only nine of his 23 shots.

The Jazz scored a season-high 38 points in the third quarter and never were challenged after that. The loss snapped an eight-game road winning streak for the Magic. Deron Williams led the Jazz with 32 points.