The scary thing for opponents right now is that Okur says he's in more of a groove now and more involved in the team's offense than he was when he was named an All-Star in 2007.

That's especially true lately. Okur has averaged 24.1 points in the last nine games, and has piled up 20-plus in eight of those contests.

"I feel a lot better," Okur said. "I'm more play inside-out right now. I can post up more. I was able to get to free-throw line so far, and mix up my game.

"And," he added, "I really feel a lot better than when I was an All-Star."

The Jazz, by the way, improved to 16-4 when Okur scores 15-plus in a game.

They're also, of course, a smoking-hot 1-0 whenever he fires in 40-plus.

First-quarter Memo

Points in the first quarter (last five games)

Date Team points

Jan. 2 L.A. Lakers 10

Jan. 5 Golden St. 10

Jan. 7 N. Orleans 14

Jan. 10 Detroit 15

Monday Indiana 18

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E-mail: jody@desnews.com