Andrei contributes in various ways

OAKLAND — A quick glance at the box score from the Jazz's season-opening victory over Dallas on Wednesday shows a dismal performance from starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko: seven points, 2-of-10 shooting from the field.

A closer look, though, reveals just how instrumental Kirilenko was in the win.

With six blocks and 10 rebounds, the 2003-04 season All-Star made up on the defensive end of the floor what he did not have on offense.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, who advised Kirilenko and others late in the recently concluded exhibition season that they would sit if they were struggling on one end and not playing on the other, even called Kirilenko's play "terrific" on Thursday.

"He missed two or three shots in a row, and then we let him rest," said Sloan, who nonetheless played Kirilenko a team-high 40 minutes. "He came back, and he was good. Defensively, he blocked shots (four in the fourth quarter alone). He was a lot more active. Those things are important to us.

"If you've got open shots, you've got to make 'em," the Jazz coach added. "And if you aren't making open shots, you've got to rebound and defend."

That's precisely what Kirilenko, who evidently heeded Sloan's warning, tried to do.

"Like I've said before, I feel like I'm a team player," he said. "So, if I struggle offensively and I (can't) score . . . all I can do is (pick up) my defense.

"I think every player in NBA, they should understand if they don't feel good with their shot they should do something else on the floor," Kirilenko added. "If you keep shooting, you will be on the bench. Not go in."

BOOZER UPDATE: Jazz forward Carlos Boozer (strained left hamstring) did not practice Thursday and is not expected to play either tonight at Golden State or Saturday vs. Phoenix.

Boozer, who has not played since last Feb. 14, said Thursday he is uncertain when he might return.

WHALEY WATCHING: Jazz rookie center Robert Whaley is out again tonight, serving the second of a two-game suspension for throwing a punch in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Whaley is eligible to play Saturday, but it remains to be seen if the Jazz will keep him on their 12-man active roster or make him inactive.