Deseret News | Homecourt is no help for Jazz

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Homecourt is no help for Jazz

Doug | 6:15 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Two lessons: Sloan has not taught the Jazz how to play a zone game; and constant public criticism of your players can damage their interactions with each other.

Jimmy's Sneakers | 7:03 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Ugh...Jimmy is super disappointed in the choke jobs of the last 2 weeks, especially in this game and in Cow-town. Too many problems right now, Jimmy doesn't want to get into it. Jimmy is just shaking his head in disgust.

Boozer, Deron | 7:22 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I don't know if this is a coincidence but for 80-90% of the games, whenever boozer and deron take more than 30 shots we lose. Does it say anything?

Comments continue below

All is Well??? | 8:26 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Yesterday their were many posts telling Jazz fans to be patient and that all is well. Do you still think that today? What about tomorrow after we lose to Phoenix by 20.

Vernal Roid | 8:31 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

These are the gamesthat we look back on at the end of the year and think woulda,coulda, shoulda, Like every other year.

Down with DW | 8:48 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Play Hart more, or tell DW to pass the ball!

Rob | 8:58 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

The Jazz problem is no mystery. Where is the defense. There help defense off the pick and roll is terrible. Boozer will show and then the guard turns the corner and is in the lane. Nobody takes a charge. Nobody rotates. We make guys like Martell Webster (Martell who?) look like Ray Allen and guys like John Salmons look like Kobe Bryant. Our defense is the worst I have ever seen any team play. I am through watching Jazz games for a whileI am so sick of this. We can score at will but then we cannot stop anyone. We foul like crazy we cannot slide our feet. With this defense the Jazz cannot win consistantly. I am at a loss of words right now. I don't know when I will watch a game again. I have always been a die hard fan, I watch every game, but I am done wasting my time. They will get routed in Phoenix tonight.

DW rocks | 9:03 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Play Hart more? We are surely doomed.

Sokel... | 9:19 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I give up on these guys...There are too many problems and really is Sloan even capable of more.
I think Malone and Stockton had to tune him out to win, if they did not then it was ugly.

These guys do not have the talent or the chemistry.
Sloan will not defend the 3 point shot, double team hot scorers or try to be innovative.
The players stink, the coach stinks and there is no
deodorant coming...The owner is not going to ever
change.
Fans need to stop coming.

Let's make a deal | 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

It's time to get a shooting guard that won't let Jarret Jack put up almost 20 against the Jazz. Time to get a shooting guard that doesn't allow a decent 2-guard (not a star, mind you) named Josh "shove-in-the-back" Howard put up almost 50. I'm tired of the Jazz getting lit up by 2 guard after 2 guard. Last year it was only the star two guards going for 40.

Yes, we're only 1/4 of the way through the season, and there is hope to turn things around. These, however, are the games the Jazz will be cursing themselves over when they get the sixth seed and are facing an "elite" team in the first round.

It's time to deal for a guy who can get defensive stops. We can let go of a scorer to do it. We're letting these shoo-in games get away - teams with injuries that aren't good with their full rosters. It's time for heads to roll.

Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

ITS ARE YEAR!!! Because its the UTAH UTAH UTAH JAZZ!!

die hard | 9:50 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Am i blind or can we not win when AK doesnt play well? I would think that someone in the Jazz organization IE, coaches would see that they need to do what ever it takes to get AK into the offense even if its just touches or passing because there defense is the pits other that AK and some times Brewer. Ya he is not a great offensive scorer but he can pass and he does have the most complete game of any player on the team. Does it amaze any one else that a guy like BOOZER can play for Mike S at DUKE and not know how to play defense? HOLY MOLLY figure out how to AK happy and maybe Deron and Boozers team can win.

Jdizzle | 9:53 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

D-will is still one of the best PG's in the NBA. It's not that him and Boozer shoot to much, it's that when they play that up and down game where the game is very fast paced. You have to make the whole team play d-fense for a good portion of the shot clock. You'll notice that San Antonio rarely scores quickly once they're in their half court set. They use up most of the shot clock.

west high | 10:07 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

we need another shot blocker than andre he can't do defence by his self!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sinan From Turkey | 10:25 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I really wonder that who fired what to stop the Jazz ? Jazz was so good with the players Deron, Memo, AK, Boozer, ....I really wonder what happened ? To me, there's something wrong about the friendship amoung teammates which i really miss. Come on Guys, pull yourself together and make us happy. I don't worry for this, they will do that. Nothing be better before being bad.

Jesse | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I really don't understand why Sloan didn't get Ronnie Brewer back in the game during the 4th quarter. With Aldridge out with an injury, Brandon Roy was Portland's only hope of fending off the Utah run, but unfortunately Sloan decided to send some sort of "message" to Brewer and let the awful Giricek guard the Blazers best offensive threat. Inexcusable.

I understand the use in letting the bench have a shot to bring some energy to the court, and they certainly helped bring the Jazz within striking distance. But it was quite obvious the moment Nate McMillian decided to start putting the outcome in Roy's hands, and Sloan just didn't make the proper adjustment.

SaltyJoe | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

You have to give Portland credit for this win, we were outhustled and out-coached in this game. I still think we'll recover, but the time to take Portland for granted is over, especially when Oden comes back next year.

Alternative | 10:38 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I am impressed by DW's stat, but sad to see the way he only passes the ball to a select few. My theory is that "not getting the ball" and public criticism effect players mind. They have little hesitation and it kills the defense as well. The more DW and Boozer wants to win only by themselves, the more other players become "not involved". By the time they get involved its all messed up in their mind. It is in a -ve feedback cycle. It needs to break out of that -ve cycle. It needs to play as a team, not just two man's show.

sparks24 | 10:44 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Jazz go after Corey Magettee and get rid of some of this dead weight. We need a shot blocker bad!!!!!!

Steve | 10:59 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Salty Joe's comments are the most accurate ones here.

Portland

Booz Cruz | 11:02 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I'm glad Rob has noticed what I've seen all year. We are absolutely dreadful at guarding the pick and roll. Booz will show but that's it, the 1 or 2 guard blows right by and then either it's a layup or someone comes for help defense and there is a wide open 3. The defense at the 2 guard position depends a lot on the overall team defense, the 2 guard is faced with a ton of pick and roll situations. So it is not all Brewer and AK's fault, they have no help! I think part of the problem with the Jazz now is team chemistry. When they get that solved than they will be elite again. It could be worse though, we could have the Houston Rockets record right now!

Rob | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Booz Cruz I agree in full. It is ridiculous, what is the point in showing on the screen and roll if you do not stop the progress of the dribbler? I played college ball at North Carolina State a few years ago and I remember running ladders until I was ready to throw up because one game against Clemson we did not defend the pick and roll well. If a college coach can preach that kind of defense and get the message through to our team then why can't the Jazz grasp the concept that you have to defend the pick and roll. And when was the last time someone slid in the lane and took a charge? Every team penetrates against us and eith gets fouled. gets a dunk, or a wide open 3. I am seriously done watching the Jazz. Been a lifelong fan, but I just can't watch it anymore. I hate to sound corny but good grief I had to guard guys a lot better than Jarret Jack and we couldn't even stop him? Hey sloan if you need a Jarret Jack stopper, call me and I'll try out. This is ridiculous.

MLR | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I find all of this very enertaining for someone retired and needing daytime enertainment. First and most important most of you people seem to think you have a TITLE contender. Wrong. This team is at best 2 to 3 years away from that possibility. D-Will & Booz are not even close to Stock & the Mailman, they might be in time, but that is what will define them is time. We have a very good start to be an excellent team given experience and time. So cool your jets and give some patience, and I guarantee you will see results in the near future. This NOW generation wants everything to be immediate, and it just doesn't work that way in this game. We will be way competitive for the most part but good things don't happen over night. These salaries & long seasons that are for seeding into a tournament are a farce anyway. Get a life, there are bigger fish in this world to fry than worryimg over the Ist month of a long, long, long season.

Tim | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Why does sloan have to be so extreme, his comments like "we didn't know anything we were doing out there" just shows he's too extreme. I wish he could word his critisicms more accurately.

Anonymous | 12:38 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Ok Jazz Time to gut the team. Get rid of everybody exept boozer and dwill. Bring In player that play defense on a consistent level Paul Gasol, Even though corey magette doesnt play much defense I would like to see him play. Trade the whole roster if you have to to gett hese 2 guys and call up a bunch of players from the dleague.

Timmer | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

When Sloan would say Hornecek would 'play on one leg', he was being completely accurate and literal. You may have thought Jeff was playing with two legs, but it was an allusion. Jerry never exagerates. He tells the truth as it is. Period.

Rob | 1:19 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I think I am done watching the NBA period. How about Joel Pryzibilla's flop on the fast break with D- Will? Anyone watch Devin Harris flop around last game when the Jazz played at Dallas. I swear the NBA is turning into WWF. It is all an act. I am not blaming officiating for our losses, it's not that. I just get sick of flopping, I thought they were taking that out of the game? Then how about Brandon Roy shuffling his feet and taking about 4 steps before he started his move when he got that and 1? How about every time Giricek catches the ball and gives that little head fake? He travels every time. The nba no longer calls 3 seconds, traveling, and they call flops fouls. The NBA has gone down hill and it is almost unbearable to watch now. Here is my NBA all flop 1st team:
1-Manu Ginobili
2-Devin Harris
3-Raja Bell
4-Shane Battier
5-Tie between Allen Iverson and Derek Fisher

Yes, AI flops, just watch Denver and he will give you about 3 good flops per game.

Mesa | 1:20 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

On 11/30/2007 the Jazz beat a fairly good Lakers team 120-96. The did it without Boozer and Memo. Do you suppose that had something to do with the way the game was played and coached. Makes you wonder that if they played like that all the time they might have a chance to win.

What made the Difference?

ZEKE | 1:47 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

The lowest paid players on the team are making more in a year than most people make in a lifetime. It seemed like the subs played better than the regular players maybe they should of finished the game.Defence,Defence,Defence,Defence. Need I say more

Disgusted | 2:07 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Jazz fans you are ridiculous!! Just because were going through a tough stretch right now doesnt mean that we have big problems! Our timing defensively is a little off, Its a long season that will get fixed!!
Do you unfaithful know it alls go to Jazz practice? Do you know what it takes to win NBA games? I swear we have like 50 coaches in Utah that are way better than coach Sloan...and they dont even ever leave their couch!
Getting booed does not make a team want to play harder...unless their on the road. Getting booed by your home crowd is one of the most negative things a team can go through, and they will not play harder!
Does anybody even remember this spring? When the Jazz came out in a big way and made the semifinals?? They did it with DWill penetrating and scoring, and Booz shooting elbow jumpers and driving to the left. So we lose a couple and all of a sudden Booz and Dwill need to stop shooting? Get real fans. Just for once show some faith in your team to turn it around!!

lousy performance | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

for the Jazz, but they will turn things around. Every team (even teams like San Antonio and Dallas)goes through a slump here and there through the season. They do need to get better defensively, but I think come playoff time they will be in high gear.

what's going on | 2:57 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

It is one thing for someone like Lebron to light us up or Kobe, but how about John Salmons the other day? He basically single handidly beat us. We had no answer. John Salmons??????? He is a good player but not a star. Then Martel Webster last night are you kidding me? He looked like Ray Allen out there. I agree with Rob. Let's look at the positives though. The Jazz have a solid core with Boozer and Williams. I agree with MLR we are not a title contender YET but in 2-3 years. We can win a title in the upcoming years and these experiences will make us a better team, we go through hard times to get to the great times. The Jazz will still do very well this year and next, but that is really just preparing us for our title run in about 3 years. The defense has got to pick up though, Rob seems to know his stuff about the pick and roll, we have got to get better, but Rob don't be a fair weathered fan, the Jazz will win a title or make a serious run at in 2-3 years.

Am I stupid? | 4:22 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I blew 8K on season tickets and drive from St.George for every home game. After the failure of the Jazz against Portland, did I waste my money or am I just stupid? Jerry wants to rag on them about being spoiled millionaires, he is right on! Memo is lazy, D. Will never met a shot he didn't take, and they are all sissies that are afraid to touch someone on the other team! I watch Larry Miller each game, sitting there with his arms folded and a scowl on his face. Last night the same plus Kevin O'Connor and other suited statues doing the same. The Europeans on the team have made alliances and so have the others. It's time for a restructure, starting with the COMPLETE coaching staff. Yes, I know, I am stupid, but I will be there for a few more. My tickets are not selling!

Title Contender?? | 4:22 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

You can't with a straight face tell me that the Jazz are going to be better in 3 years than they are now. Do you think Boozer's effort on defense is going to get better with age?? Effort does not get better with age. Is Shaq more aggressive now than he was 5 years ago? Not even close. All is not well with this team and things just aren't going to get better with age.

Jazzsmack | 4:48 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I still can't see what value boozer is to the team.
We seem to win or lose just well with out him.

The Jazz close to within four in the fourth quarter then they bring in boozer and the game falls a apart.

The game has changed since sloan played.
The three pointer is a part on the game.
You must be able shoot and defend the three, when will sloan get it or has the game past him by?

jazz should have known hart is not very good when six other teams past on resigning him.

Jazz need a shooting guard. When the game is close and you need some one to take over the game, on championship teams that has traditionally been the 2 guard.

Go Jazz Go! | 6:42 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Jazz need intensity..you've gotta wanna play the game of basketball night in and night out. The jazz have the players..they just need to turn it up a notch no matter who they are playing. No need to get rid of d-will or booze..they are the ones who helped the jazz get to where they are now. Defense is the key of the game..if your doing that everything falls into place. I believe in you guys!! Lets bring home a title to UTAH!

blue devil | 9:38 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

now i am starting to see Jazzsmack's point. Maybe this is the time to trade boozer, while his stocks are sky high. We might even get lucky and get Tmac in return.

MlR | 9:50 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

I'm watching the Jazzgame with the Suns at the moment, lack of enery is the problem at this time, i:42 left in the first half. You can not play defense without effort period! Until it's there the result will not change, unless you play another lazy team then all is equal. This is the problem I have with professional sports. Huge salaries paid up front without incentitives brings on laziness. Salaries should be structured on games played and performance end of story.

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