Deseret News | Other point guards lift Jazz to win

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Other point guards lift Jazz to win

KM | 6:02 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Even though the anticipated match-up between Deron Williams and Chris Paul were the night's focus. The night really belonged to Jason Hart and Ronnie Price. They brought energy and tenacity, and really changed the pace of the game.

Jerry did a great job when Deron went out with foul trouble to counteract the Hornet's speedy backcourt of Paul and Bobby Jackson with Hart and Price--speed on speed. Hart and Price seem more comfortable than just a few games ago, especially Price.

This development in those guys can only bode well as the season goes on. The team also seemed comfortable with the two running side by side. Did you notice Kirilienko's behind-the-back shovel pass to Price for a three. That was sweet!

Vanchickavan | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Maybe the Jazz actually made the right decision by letting Mo Pete go to New Orleans and signing Price and Hart instead. I was doubtful, but if they can consitiently play like last night they will help the jazz win a bunch of games.

Price is right! | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Go Ronnie! It's a great to see a local college product in Price starting to settle in with the Jazz and already starting to contribute more then BYU's Araujo ever did.

Comments continue below

Price is Right | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

I feel bad for saying this, but I was hoping that J Hart would either get injured or something would happen like it did so that he would have to miss a game so Sloan would be forced to play Ronnie Price. Price has now shown what he can really do if given some minutues, and now I think Sloan will feel more obligated to give him minutes. Do fans still miss Dee Brown and D-Fish after last night??

Ryan | 10:11 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Please, please, please let this be the last time we see Gordon Giricek on the court for the Jazz. It was so much more fun watching Ronnie Price and/or Jason Hart and/or CJ Miles and/or Morris Almond.......Need I go on?

Big E | 10:30 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Part of the reason Deron played so little was because he had so much help off the bench? Yeah, thank goodness for Price and Hart but more reason was Deron in foul trouble. He's got to learn how to stay out of early foul trouble.

KM | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Deron Williams is going through a transition period. He's at a crossroad. Does he burst forward to the next level or does he stay put?

Earlier in the season, the game seemed to come easier for him. Now teams are focusing more on Boozer and Williams which forces the Williams to be more creative on the offensive end. Over the last six games, Deron's only averaging 5.8 assists per game.

During this lull period for Williams, others are stepping up, which can only bode well for the Jazz. As Deron goes, so do the jazz. Also another stat, the Jazz are only averaging 100 points during D-Will down time compared to 111 the first seven games.

Even though we're 9-4, we will be better once Deron carries his game and the Jazz to the next level. It's all about leadership. He'll accept the challenge!

MTN | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

If Deron had completed his first dunk attempt, he would have had a very different game. I think he would have gone for 30+. For all the nonchalance with the press about the head-to-head matchup with Paul, he seemed to be digging deep into his repetoire early in the game. He had some nifty cross-overs, tried two dunks, and generally seemed more aggressive. I am convinced he can shoot whenever he wants to. Did you see when he was dribbling out to the right side of the court, then brought the ball back through his legs right in front of the defender to go left into the lane? I think he was VERY cognizant of the head-to-head. He was unrelenting on D too.

MTN | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

As far as the lingering question of Which To Draft, I am completely satisfied with Deron. Paul's game requires him to have the ball all the time - he's either scoring or assisting, rarely initiating offensive sets, rarely setting picks within the offense... I think Deron could play on a team where they just give it to him to create, but I don't know if Paul could thrive in a place where he has to do some of the patient dirty work of running through sets, screening, etc. Certainly if Paul had come to the Jazz, he would have had as rocky a rookie year as Deron.

Statistically, Paul has the edge though, because of steals.

D-Will is my favorite player in the league (except on the nights when AK has 12-10-8-4-3).

wendover poker dealer | 12:20 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

looks like the Dee Brown chants have stopped......

Dee Brown Fan | 1:42 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

It's about time Hart and Price have started to get comfortable in the offense. It sure would have been a lot smoother keeping Dee Brown who already knew the system. But Price has more potential and upside which will bode well for the Jazz in the long term. I agree w/ Ryan. Put Price in for Gira.

Re: Big E: I think it wasn't entirely D-Will's fault that he got in foul trouble. He had a couple of bad calls that didn't go his way. So far this season, I think that's the only game D-Will has been in foul trouble. Not bad, considering the Jazz would not be doing well if he had problems with fouls in the early part of the season. Well, it's a good thing Hart and Price seem to be ready to go because there will be plenty of other games where the refs won't be on Deron's side.

Jonas | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

They really are rather splendid athletes.

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