"Just two months into the NBA season, Al Jefferson already has won six more games than he did all last season with the Timberwolves.

The Utah Jazz improved to 21-9 with Wednesday night's 112-107 win over the Wolves. They lead Oklahoma City by one game atop the Northwest Division. Jefferson, making his first appearance at Target Center since he was traded, was on a Wolves team last season that finished 15-67.

Besides the immediate increase in wins, Jefferson has made a quick adjustment in expectations with the Jazz.

"One thing about the Jazz, we're not just trying to make the playoffs," said Jefferson, who had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots against his former team. "We're trying to win a title. It's a wonderful feeling to know you have a chance to go deep in the playoffs. It's something I haven't experienced in my six years in the league."

Jefferson, the Wolves' leading scorer each of the past three seasons, received a warm reception from fans during pregame introductions. He said it was a "weird feeling" to play his first game at Target Center against the Wolves.

"I'm glad to get this out of the way," Jefferson said. "The next time I won't have any feelings at all about coming back here."

Jefferson was in the visiting locker room at Target Center for the first time since the 2006-07 season, when was with Boston. "