And it's not just because Brewer, who averages 12.5 points, has been struggling with his offensive game — though he has indeed failed to reach double figures in four of his last seven games after having done that in 19 of his first 20.

Rather, a message is being sent that Sloan desires improved defensive play from the NBA sophomore.

Brewer — who along with both Korver and Miles figures to play more minutes tonight, because starting small forward Andrei Kirilenko is out with lower-back inflammation — easily explains the reduced scoring.

"There are guys in our starting five, and on the bench, who are being more aggressive," he said. "And they've got to do that for us to try to win games. ... So I wouldn't say that I hit a wall. I just haven't been taking that many shots."

Whether or not Sloan's signals regarding defense have hit home, however, seems uncertain.

"Not really," Brewer said when asked if he's thinking more about defense since his minutes dipped. "I just go out there and play my game. I'm usually matched up with the most athletic, or the guy who shoots the ball the most, so I just have to make them think 'tough shots.'

"Most NBA guys are gonna make shots. Nobody's gonna go 0-for-20, not ever, in a game," he added. "So you just have to make them take tough shots, and make them work on the offensive end and the defensive end, and that's all I can do."

Korver, meanwhile, vows to do all he can to help the Jazz while simultaneously not hurting the mindset of either Miles or Brewer.

"I'm not gonna be pouting if I'm not in the game," Korver said. "I'm gonna be cheering for them, and helping them out however I can. And if they know there is a genuineness to that, then hopefully those problems that could crop up won't."

Not that Brewer, who along with Miles has been helping Korver learn Utah's offense, anticipates any problems.

Rather, he hopes the only hit from Korver is one that will have the Jazz humming come playoff time.

"He's a real nice guy. Good teammate. A real good guy. And me, I feel like I'm a pretty good guy too," Brewer said. "So I took it upon myself to where I went out there and talked to him, tried to make him feel welcome and part of this team — because when it comes March, April, May, we're gonna have to have one heartbeat for us to be a successful team."

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com