Williams' absence could haunt Utah Jazz

Just when the Jazz seemed poised to morph into something hideously alien and unrecognizable, Deron Williams returned on Wednesday night. It wasn't a moment too soon.

They needed the familiarity and safety. The Jazz have spent the last two weeks looking like Jeff Goldblum in "The Fly," where a scientific experiment goes awry and he turns into a large, revolting insect.

Injuries had decimated them to the point they were almost unidentifiable. They were dropping like, well, flies. You had to wonder if it was something in their genes.

But for just the third time in 16 games, Williams was back in the lineup in Utah's 117-100 win over Memphis. His 15 assists and 11 points gave them a look of authenticity, which they've clearly lacked.

"It felt a lot different," said guard Ronnie Brewer. "For someone in his first game back, to get 10-plus assists when he didn't play the normal minutes he's used to playing, that's a boost."

So the everyday Jazz are back — partially. They've had six different starting lineups, but at least they have their leader. Their other star, Carlos Boozer, sat out with a strained tendon, for the fourth straight game.

That's an issue for another day.

A disastrous recent road trip — one win in five games — gave way to Monday's buzzer-beater loss to Chicago.

So maybe their mulligan stew lineup wasn't going to work for an extended period, after all.

Total up the damages up and this is what the Jazz had listed for Wednesday's game: Jarron Collins, out with an inflamed elbow that could require surgery; Matt Harpring, doubtful with a strained lower back; Kyle Korver, out for a fourth game with a sprained wrist; Brevin Knight, out with a sprained finger; and Boozer.

Of that group, only Harpring answered the call.

You know things are bad when even the team mascot shows up with an ankle boot.

Thus, amid a flurry of anticipation, Williams returned. The audience gave him an enthusiastic ovation during introductions. Was he sharp? Surprisingly so. He did air ball a couple of driving shots that would normally go in, and throw a perfect entry pass in the lane — to Memphis' Marc Gasol.

Still, if you really need proof the Jazz are better without Williams — considering they started the season 5-0 — remember that after the quick opening, they went 4-6.

Yes, they survived without Williams, and others, but the absence has left a mark.

It isn't Boozer's detached coolness that drives the Jazz, but Williams' fierce insistence.

In the two previous games he did play — Nov. 11 and 12 — he scored only five and seven points. Wednesday, he was more his usual brilliant self: a flawless cross-court pass to Brewer for a slam; a double-clutch pass on a drive for an easy basket; an alley-oop to Paul Millsap for a slam; a stylish backhand flip to C.J. Miles for an jumper.

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