From Deseret News archives:
Utah Jazz: Helping and happy Kirilenko having big impact on court
But Kirilenko is still playing well and has had big impact with bursts like he exhibited in the last two home games both wins for the Jazz over the Los Angeles Lakers to tie up the second-round series at two games each heading into Wednesday's battle at Staples Center and in Game 2 at Los Angeles.
"I think his head's there," said Jazz special assistant coach Jeff Hornacek. "He's feeling pretty good about playing. Usually it's a sign if he's struggling a little if he's not active, but he's been active in the playoffs. He's got a lot of blocks. That's what we want from him is just to be active."
Twice in Sunday's 123-115 win at EnergySolutions Arena, Kirilenko put his stamp on important stretches of the first quarter and the overtime, when the Jazz first pulled ahead with the help of two Kirilenko baskets, three free throws and two blocked shots. In overtime, he added two more blocks plus a reverse layup on which he was fouled and made the free throw to give Utah a five-point lead with 35.5 seconds left.
In Game 2 at Los Angeles, he had three baskets, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot in the first 4 1/2 minutes to help keep Utah tied in a game it eventually lost 120-110.
They were his three best-scoring games 12 and 15 points on 5-for-9 and 4-for-4 shooting at home and 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting at Staples since the playoff opener April 19 when he had 21 at Houston. He has had five straight double-figure scoring games.
"He's been aggressive this playoffs offensively, defensively," said Jazz point guard Deron Williams. "Just his energy level is what we're feeding off of right now."
Coach Jerry Sloan said, "I thought Andrei played very well in the game (Sunday). He didn't get a lot of rebounds and stuff, but he did a lot of things well to help us win."
Sunday was Kirilenko's second five-block Sunday game in the series.
Kirilenko said he tries to be valuable at important times. "In the beginning you kind of set up the tone, and especially when you finish the game. I'm very concentrated on starting the game and, like, finish (of) the game. Sometimes when you're down like five, 10 points, you need to spend that energy to get them back.
Recent comments
@ Bigjazzfan
You're absolutely right, Boozer is not that
player......
magnus | May 14, 2008 at 5:56 p.m.
To magnus:
YOu definitely wrong on this buddy.
Boozer must
go....
Bigjazzfan | May 14, 2008 at 4:58 p.m.
If one of the Jazz's current assistant coaches gets picked up for an...
Mark | May 14, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.
- High school girls basketball: Top 20 1:40 a.m.
- High school swimming rankings 1:28 a.m.
- High school girls basketball rankings 1:19 a.m.
- High school boys basketball rankings 1:00 a.m.
- Preps of the week 12:49 a.m.
- Y. volleyball beats UVU 12:46 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:43 a.m.
- Utah Jazz: Game at a glance 12:40 a.m.
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs 12:34 a.m.
- Revive full food tax? 12:19 a.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- BYU professor remembered
- Winter weather is here to stay
- Answers for the BCS
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
261 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
156 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
134 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Harpring's NBA career is over
96 - Utahns want health care reform bills
78 - Utes excited to go to San Diego
75
BYU athletic officials began negotiating last week with the organizers...
Cal offensive tackle Mike Tepper had this to say about the Golden Bears'...
When Boozer was shooting the free throws, why Sloan didn't substitute Mathew...
actions, I will be forced to be accountable for them. I refuse. I am an...
What's with the Utah fans flashing the double L sign?
@mark: So Sam da Ham... you were just making it up?" I'm a climate...
"I have no idea why BYU fans are talking smack about bowl opponents. Even if...
You say to "quit whining and play somebody." Isn't that what everyone is...
Reading these comments, I start wondering-- Whatever happened to faith? Why...
All those numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
All thos numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
So Sam da Ham, when you said this: "Not so. Al Gore is poised to make...


