Utah Jazz Extra: Matthews' mom, A.K.'s fan and who's hot and not

Just wondering ...

(Where random Jazz Q&As happen. This week: Wesley Matthews and Andrei Kirilenko)

Wesley Matthews was asked recently about whom he's been talking to the most during his breakout rookie season (perhaps assuming he'd talk about his dad, Wes Matthews, who played for six NBA teams from 1980-90):

"My mom (Pam Moore). My dad's been around, my dad's been talking to me, but my mom has been there from jumpstreet," Matthews said. "Every step of the way she's always been there. She's done everything in her power to get me here, and she's just happy. Everybody back home (in Madison, Wis.) is excited. I'm excited. And I'm just trying to keep making everybody proud."

A certain reporter (who shall go anonymous because he doesn't want to reveal himself) inquired after seeing Andrei Kirilenko's wife, Masha, holding their newly adopted baby girl, Sasha, for the first time at a Jazz game:

"Hey, you missed it," a smiling Kirilenko said, setting straight the writer — OK, yours truly. "She was here like three or four times already. She's a fan."

Coming Attractions

A look at Jazz opponents for the next seven days:

vs. OK City, Tuesday, 7 p.m., FSN, NBATV

Utah is 3-1 against this up-and-coming franchise since Oklahoma City stole Seattle's NBA thunder by relocating.

vs. Chicago, Thursday, 8:30 p.m., TNT

Late start is going to force some fans into making a tough choice: Watch the game or camp out in line at Walmart?

vs. Portland, Saturday, 7 p.m., FSN

Save some leftovers to snack on for this exciting sports feast: Utah at BYU followed by the Trail Blazers at the Jazz.

The big stat

99: The 7-6 Jazz improved to 7-1 when holding opponents to 99-or-fewer points with Saturday's thrilling 100-97 overtime win over Detroit. The Dallas Nowitzkis and their 96-85 win is the exception. Utah is 4-0 at ESA when visitors don't hit triple digits but is 0-4 when road foes put up 100-plus.

Who's Hot

Andrei Kirilenko: All-Star snub? Averaged 18.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg in three Jazz victories

Who's Not

Kyrylo Fesenko: Started last 3 with Okur out but only tallied 2.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0 blocks

e-mail: jody@desnews.com