Hopper
Banned
"Utah is the only team in the NBA that holds its opponents under 43 percent shooting.
The Jazz, of course, haven’t always been able to hang their hat on defense.
Just two seasons ago, they allowed 100.9 points per game.
“We’ve made a conscious effort to help each other,” said Paul Millsap. “I think everybody has taken it as a personal challenge to go out and guard their guy. That’s the big difference [from] past years. Everybody’s taking it on as a challenge.”
Two changes in the Jazz’s starting lineup have probably been factors. Veteran Raja Bell starts at shooting guard instead of then-rookie Wesley Matthews, who signed a free-agent contract last summer with Portland.
Meanwhile, Millsap starts in place of Carlos Boozer, the offense-first power forward who signed with Chicago in the offseason.
“We’re definitely a better defensive team,” Deron Williams said. “I think we’re putting a lot more effort into it. … We realize if we want to be an elite team, we’ve got to do it on the defensive end first.”
A key to the Jazz’s improvement is their 3-point defense.
Utah has held its first 21 opponents to 30.8 percent 3-point shooting.
“We’ve done a pretty good job — we’ve been able to guard the 3-point line a little better,” coach Jerry Sloan said. “Raja has given us some experience and ability to get out and do that. That’s been one of our downfalls.”
At center, Al Jefferson has been starting as Memo Okur continues to rehab his surgically repaired Achilles tendon.
Compared with Boozer, especially, Jefferson’s length and shot-blocking ability have helped Utah’s interior defense, which in turn allows the perimeter players to stay home more often."
More HERE if ya wants it, eh?
The Jazz, of course, haven’t always been able to hang their hat on defense.
Just two seasons ago, they allowed 100.9 points per game.
“We’ve made a conscious effort to help each other,” said Paul Millsap. “I think everybody has taken it as a personal challenge to go out and guard their guy. That’s the big difference [from] past years. Everybody’s taking it on as a challenge.”
Two changes in the Jazz’s starting lineup have probably been factors. Veteran Raja Bell starts at shooting guard instead of then-rookie Wesley Matthews, who signed a free-agent contract last summer with Portland.
Meanwhile, Millsap starts in place of Carlos Boozer, the offense-first power forward who signed with Chicago in the offseason.
“We’re definitely a better defensive team,” Deron Williams said. “I think we’re putting a lot more effort into it. … We realize if we want to be an elite team, we’ve got to do it on the defensive end first.”
A key to the Jazz’s improvement is their 3-point defense.
Utah has held its first 21 opponents to 30.8 percent 3-point shooting.
“We’ve done a pretty good job — we’ve been able to guard the 3-point line a little better,” coach Jerry Sloan said. “Raja has given us some experience and ability to get out and do that. That’s been one of our downfalls.”
At center, Al Jefferson has been starting as Memo Okur continues to rehab his surgically repaired Achilles tendon.
Compared with Boozer, especially, Jefferson’s length and shot-blocking ability have helped Utah’s interior defense, which in turn allows the perimeter players to stay home more often."
More HERE if ya wants it, eh?
