Utah Jazz face tough test on Eastern Conference road trip

While the two have each had their shining moments, Knight's minutes have increased every single game — going from a 13-minute Jazz debut against Denver, followed by outings of 22, 23 and 27 minutes before logging a season-high 28 minutes in the win over Oklahoma City on Friday.

Price, who's only hit 24.3 percent of his shots, has seen his playing time dwindle in each of the Jazz's first five games — going from 34 minutes in the opener, to 26, 25, 21 and then just 20 vs. the Thunder.

Knight's extended minutes — and vice-versa for Price — have more to do with the 12-year veteran's experience and offensive game-flow control than the former Utah Valley State guard's shooting struggles, Sloan said. They're both averaging about five points and five assists per game.

"We've got to do what we can to win the game," Sloan said.

What gives Knight an advantage — as well as the Jazz for now — is the fact that the 33-year-old has been a point guard for his whole life, the coach said. Still, Sloan lauded Price for working hard to convert himself into a playmaking point guard from a shooting guard.

But don't expect Knight's minutes to continue to skyrocket. Sloan thought he might have "maxed" Knight out Friday, adding that he doesn't want to overextend his energy and effectiveness by playing him "too long, too extended."

Williams hopes his sprained left ankle will heal enough for him to play this week despite a revised doctor's timetable that could have him out until early December. Williams has been impressed with both of his future backups. He credits them for helping the Jazz win their first five games without him.

"I thought it was a great move when we picked up Brevin. ... He knows how to run a team, knows how to get everybody involved, get everybody happy. He's a great defensive player," he said. "And Ronnie, he brings a different dimension to the point guard position. He's played well. He just hasn't shot the ball well."

TICKET TALK: According to a report last week in Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, the Jazz lead the NBA in full season-ticket sales at 14,000, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (just under 14,000) and Oklahoma City (nearly 13,000).

STILL OUT: Not much has changed on the injury front. Williams (sprained ankle), Matt Harpring (ankle rehab) and Jarron Collins (inflamed right elbow) traveled but aren't expected to play today.

---

E-mail: jody@desnews.com