Sounds like an easy 5 game home sweep. Even with Lakers being without Pau Gasol, should be a very winable game. Lets go Jazz, get a 8-9 game winning streak going.

This team is hopeless. They will never learn or amount to anything. The win against Boston was wasted with the loss vs. New Jersey. This team can't stand prosperity. The Jazz would have the West's best record if not for all these ridiculous losses against bad teams. It's still very possible Denver could win the division, which would likely leave the Jazz out of the playoffs. And I wouldn't be surprised if Toronto ended the Jazz streak at home, the Raps are hungry for a win and the Jazz have had problems with Toronto in the past. The Jazz are clearly on shaky ground, and it's no ones fault except their own.

Wow Sammy that's a whole lot of negativity for one small paragraph. I will not argue that they probably would have the best record in the West were it not for some bad losses but to say that it's still very possible for Denver to win the division seems way too pesimistic. Not sure where you're getting your stats regarding Toronto, The Jazz have not had problems with them in the past and in fact have won 5 straight over them (which makes it at least 2 and a half years since they've beaten us), plus they most likely will be without Bosh tonight.

No argument that this team has some growing up to do but they are definately not as bad as you make it sound and I think we have a good postseason to look forward to.

Denver has 2 more losses and 4 less wins than the Jazz...The only way to lose the division to them is to completely fall apart...which won't happen...

We are playing for home court advantage in my opinion, not to make the playoffs...

we better win tonight!!!

Let's get play ball.

I think this is the most exciting thing we have seen in basketball for many years. A tight, tight West! All the teams who might make the playoffs are right next to each others records. The eighth seed Golden State is not far behind first seeded Houston. This West is more tight than the pants I wore back in the 80's when I was a rocker. This will be interesting! The East is girlie.
Except for Boston. Atlanta Hawks might beat the record for most losses ever and still making the playoffs.

If Bosh doesn't play it might make a difference but I still see it as a dangerous game. The Jazz are going to lose one at home sooner or later. Regarding the playoffs, keep in mind that right now the second place team in the northwest is on the outside looking in because Golden State currently has the 8th seed. While it is not likely Denver will overtake Utah for the division, it is possible. A 3 game lead in the division with 15 to play is not a very safe lead. The Jazz interior defense is poor, this is where I think a lot of their problems on the road happen because teams generally play more agressive at home. They look for more inside shots, the Jazz don't have a defensive center and give up points in the paint. But why they continue to lose games to bad teams is beyond me. It can happen once in a while, but the Jazz have made this a habit and there is no excuse for it.

The sky is not falling. Yes we obviously could have had the best record if we had beaten all these bad teams on the road. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

BUT!!

Since February 1st we are 8-6 on the road. Pretty good actually. That is a whole lot better than what we used to be. They have also won some huge road games recently. Phoenix and Boston come to mind.

The Jazz are going to go on a nice run now while here at home and if you will notice we are still only 3 games out of first which means these other teams have not won all their game either (except for Houston). Other teams have stumbled as well. Fact: the Jazz are getting better on the road.

Don't forget--we won't have to play any of these lousy teams in the playoffs either--only the good teams. We get "up" for those.

I hope Gasol is healthy before the Laker game so we can beat them here at full strength. I also hope the Rockets keep winning until they meet us so we can be the team that last beat them before the streak started and we can end it for them!!

My presence is long over due..

Apologize to all those anxiously awaiting me over the weekend. Sorry. Had to Celebrate St. Patty's, take in some college bball, watch Tiger do his thing, and Of Course watch the Jazz..

I must be the only one happy with the recent road trip. The Jazz got outplayed in 3 of the 4 games and still came out 2-2. What a bonus to see DWill take over the Boston game. His intensity matched KG -if that's possible- and carried the Jazz to a win on a Very Tough Court. (Helped that RainMan Ray got hurt.)

I don't think I need to comment on the NJ game as it was obvious to all who watched that Sloan got out-coached.. again.

The Jazz can now tear off a 5 game winning streak at home and hopefully put some distance between themselves and the Nuggets.

Let's be honest. The Jazz are playing to win the MidWest, not a better seeding or homecourt.

"..after Saturday's loss that they'll have a losing record away from home for a seventh straight season."

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Fire/Retire Sloan

I do agree 2-2 is great considering the 42% average going onto the road trip. But the Nets had some help they shot 50 free throws. I dont care who is coaching if the opposing team shoots 50 free throws your probably going to lose. Yet the jazz were still in it until the end a mark of a great team.

Todays game is definetely not a gimmie. Toronto is shooting a league best .404 from 3pt. and second best ft%(so dont send them to the for 50 please). Also they are second best at taking care of the ball and forcing turnovers. So Jazz dont get too comfortable at home and get a win!

Go Jazz!

I am just tongue in cheek, but geez sloan hater, having an identity whose total exsistance hinges on someone else is pretty pathetic. Also pretty tiresome.

Moto X or any other Sloan lover, pleaes respond to the following question.

Does Sloan have any responsility or blame for the jazz horrible defense?? Most of you put all the blame on Boozer and AK, but you seem to place no fault with Sloan.

Most of the time, the jazz do exactly what sloan tells them to do and it just doesn't work. The jazz foul way to much and always have, the jazz always lead the league in fouls committed and 50 free throws for NJ was just awful defense. They leave good shooters wide open all the time as part of sloans plan to protect the paint at all costs (his own words). For those of you who have watched the jazz for 20 years, nothing has changed. Quite frankly I get tired of everyone blaming the players for doing what the coach tells them to do.

Jerry is on record saying, that you have got to foul your man to let him know you are there, but come on, its out of hand.

So please respond to the question above, but I think I already know what you will say.

There is no purpose to come with any smack with the current Jazz situation, as we approach the playoffs. The Jazz are doomed to achieve lesser results simply because as has been pointed out, there will be virtually no homecourt advantage this year. The way Houston is playing, they could possibly run the table and become the #1 seed. This is incredible in the face of Mao going down. This just goes to show the NBA how a bunch of guys with a McGrady, and some leaping athletes can become motivated and win games. This is basically the Jazz problem.....MOTIVATION. The Jazz cannot sustain any momentum....they are a Jekyll & Hyde outfit. They cannot guard people who drive to the basket, as in New Jersey's, Jefferson & Carter. They cannot guard athletic players. Right now I think Kirilenko is a liability. The athletes like C.J. Miles need more time on the court. Price and the other guy giving D Will a blow are killing the team. To lose to Chicago and New Jersey at this critical point in the season is just mind boggling. The Jazz could lose the remaining 4 road games (Min/No/Dal/SA); and lose Tor/LAL/SA/Hou at home.

No game in the NBA is really easy, but it's not like the Jazz are the only team to loss easier games. Check SanAntonios record last week. We're young and this may not be our year but our time looks to be coming with this bunch. They will learn how to deal with the road.

more often than not you hear the words from Sloan after a loss like this....maybe I should have stayed with or came back to C.J. or Brewer, or Korver. You'd think that staying with a hot hand here or there instead of managing by the clock would make a difference in a couple of these games...but why change now!! or a timeout here or there may also help, cause we seem to have plenty at the end of the games......Go Jazz we need home court.

Just looking forward to the Lakers game. If Jazz can get this one they can roll until April.

After watching them play Houston on Sunday. I have sort of become a fan of Shane Batier. His defense on Kobe was great. Did anyone see this? He had a hand in Kobe's face almost every shot. And when I say in his face, an inch further and he would have poked his eyes out. I think this is the best defense I have ever seen anybody play on Kobe and I hope the jazz take note of it. Hand in the face blocking view of the basket with out fouling.

adam d

With D.Will calling the plays and Jerry taking a backseat, the plan looked very promising one night but questionable the next. Give it time though, I think it will work. I do get pretty annoyed by the "committee meetings" happening out on the floor. Fast thinking is crucial!

This team is indeed HOPELESS. I find it hard to fathom that there are still people here that root for them after so many pathetic and embarrassing losses this season. From here on out, I am rooting for the Jazz's opponent.

@ re:Moto X

I'll answer your question.

Sure sloan bears some responsibility, but not nearly as much as the haters are trying to lay on him, and here's why.

The players play the game, not the coach. You say most of the time they do exactly what sloan tells them to do, and your right, the problems come when they don't.

When Jefferson blew by AK to the baseline to win the game, was AK doing what Sloan had told/taught him to do? NO. AK was supposed to force him to the middle and make him shoot a jumper.

When Boozer starts taking it easy and letting his guy get position and beat him to the basket is he doing what Sloan teaches him to do? NO.

The truth of the matter is that every player has a defferent style and mentality when they play the game and there is little a coach can, or will, do to change that.

...to be continued

Your low basketball IQ is showing again Sloan Hater!!

If you are going to try to convince us that Sloan is telling Boozer and Okur(although I will give Okur lots of credit for working much harder lately) to stand in the paint and watch their men go by or shoot over them without even jumping or attempting to block the shot OR getting beat back down the floor to guard their man--then you are as sorry as your silly arguments.

Save the lame fouling argument as well. The Jazz usually get to the line more times than the opponent. So the problem is??? Use what is available to you for any possible advantage and if it is a foul shooting advantage--so be it.

AK is basically the only one on the team that is not performing consistently. Everyone else seems to be contributing quite well. AK can do more but AK will do it when he wants to. AK is coming to grips with the fact that he is the player getting max money but he is not the max money player. Tough psychologically for him to take--he pouts. He has way more skill but does not always use it.

@ Moto X

Thanks for making the point about the fouls. It's a stupid stat that means nothing.

@ the unknowlegable haters

Fouls in Basketball are not the same as penalties in football. In football penalties are a sign of a lack of discipline and have a far greater effect on the game. In basketball fouls are a fundamental part of the game, they are used strategicly to gain advantage over your opponent and compensate for weakness.

Time to find another stat to base your faulty logic on.

... I think one of the points made above is valid. Sloan continues to preach doubling the post, when most of the time the 2's and 3's are more dangerous than the 5's we're facing, especially when we let them get hot. This year hasn't been quite as bad, but remember all those 40-point games we gave up last year? Kobe, T-Mac, Arenas, etc. etc.

The other thing that bugs me is Sloan's refusal to do anything to try and motivate the team, especially on the road. He may do stuff in private, but he has said publicly that motivating the team is not his job. I couldn't disagree more, particularly with a team as young as we have right now. Yes, these guys make a boatload of money, but there's something in their heads that's saying "we can't beat average-bad teams on the road," and imho Sloan's staff needs to find a way to get the kids over the hump. The players manage to get pumped for the better teams, but not the middle of the pack or lower.

The jazz have shot 1965 free throws so far this season; there opponants have shot 2102. Which is a difference of 147 which is not meaningless.

If your stance is that this is meaningless, you are simply fooling yourself and not being honest with yourself becasue of you love of sloan. Guys, its time to take a look in the mirror and stop living a lie.

is it just me or is the last second shots the jazz yack up at the end of each quarter (assuming they have the ball with the shot clock off) enough to make one lose his lunch.....i remember watching harold eisly do this repeatedly with about zero success...now it's price and sometimes dwill.....i like sloan and think he's a good coach, (sorry sloan hater) but this lack of imagination is enough to make me reach for an air sick bag....at the very least, just stay with the regular offense..run a set play..anything but what your doing...it must be just me because i don't belive i've ever seen any one else post on this.....

Does anyone know the overall record, home record and road record since the trade to get Korver? I would like to see how it fares compared to the pre-Korver records? If someone could please get those numbers I would appreciate it.

Re:motoX, Mangus

147 more FT over 66 games is just over 2 FT attempts per game. The NJ loss was the Jazz 2nd loss of the season of 3 points or less. In those games (NJ and ) they were out shot from the line 50 attempts to 30 attempts by NJ and Miami where the Jazz out attempted the Heat 43-23.

The importance of the number of fouls the Jazz give up is the reputation that comes with it. Listen to what players and coaches say about the Jazz. Everyone knows the Jazz are physical and they will foul you. In the middle of a road trip or at the end of a long season, nobody WANTS to play a physical Jazz team that is not afraid to play physical.

Please sloan lovers, get new arguments.

Sloan haters are "ignorant" or lack some sort of "IQ". While the sloan lovers have "competitive basketball experience" which is never elaborated upon, or are "true fans". My personal favorite is that since no one has suggested a replacement for sloan, none exists. And lets not even MJ's retirement.

Please, we don't need another 20 years of talent getting outcoached time and again.

I agree with the poster who said that the jazz do exactly what sloan says and look what happens . . . Everyone here should kiss Dwill's feet for ignoring Jerry's plays when necessary.

If you do the same thing over and over, you will get the same result over and over.

Jimmy thinks Deron Williams isn't even in the top 5 point guards in the league. Jimmy thinks that DWill is highly overrated, and lacks the quickness of an elite point guard. Jimmy predicts that the Jazz will be bounced in the 1st Round...mark Jimmy's words!

Like I said in my first post "the Jazz get to the line more than their opponent". Currently this season, this is true with the exception of just 1 opponent--as of today. That stat can swing either way with a game or two.

The Jazz have attempted 1965 FT attempts this season which is currently 2nd most in the entire NBA. The 1st team in this category has exactly 47 more FT attempts. Wow.

That means, as I stated originally, the Jazz do get to the line more than their opponents--that would be every team but one.

Do you just make up your own stats or what? Mine are found at sportsline dot com for anyone to reference.

Since you are asking, when will you ever come up with any new arguments? Yours have all been disproven here.

You still have not provided a viable option for a coach that will win more games than Sloan and win a championship here.

You constantly say he is outcoached and that basically everything he does is wrong and yet he strangely continues to win games and contend in a very competitive W. Conference.

Lousy coach keeps winning? Huh?

The jazz are not physical, they just foul alot and give the other team the bonus in the middle of almost every quarter.

Ranting about losing to losing teams...at least if/when the Jazz DO get into the playoffs they won't be playing against sub50 teams...at least until the finals *grin*

Uh, yes, that's why it took Malone so long to reach the Conference finals but D-will did it on his first try.

Obviously Sloan learned NOTHING about winning, nothing at all. It's the same old, same old. If anyone honestly thinks it's going to be 10-12 years before the Jazz go to another finals (if they win or not is another story entirely) is on crack.

Really. Crack.

Easy, buddy, easy. It's not as if the Sloan Hater crew is bringing exciting, intellectually new arguments to the table every day. It sounds pretty much the same to me. "Coach Sloan got outcoached again...no need to elaborate." I actually tend to agree with some of the points made by the Sloan Haters, but I think that they weaken their position by making it sound as if this team would have 5 championships over the past five years without Sloan, who is clearly outcoached 9 out of 10 games. Maybe conceding some points on both sides would bring some more credibility to the debate.

And it doesn't seem farfetched to ask somebody demanding Sloan's retirement/firing to provide some suggestions about who would make a good replacement. Understanding opportunity cost is actually helpful, and depends on looking at the next best. Same way when people cry for Booz to be traded...it makes sense to think through realistic alternatives. I think a Sloan Hater posted some reasonably good suggestions just the other day about a some Sloan replacements.

The only thing to say is:

DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE

If that doesn't happen, we will have another loss!!!!!

@ Same old _ _ _ _

Again, complaining about the same old argunents and then offering nothing new yourself.

Look, it's not the criticizm of Sloan that I mind, It's the nature of the criticism itself. Lets take a logical look at it....

Point #1, Sloan has never won a championship in 20 years.

I'd say that's a fair enough argument against him being the greatest coach ever, but to say that because of that no other accomplishment means anything and that he should be FIRED when his team is coming off a suprise run to the WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS and going into this years playoffs as an ELITE CONTENDER is INSANE.

Point #2, Sloan does not know how to manage a game.

How would you know? why should I think that your rants about how to handle substitutions or defensive schemes have any credibility at all?

point #3 Sloan does not let his players play the game.

No amount of player testimony about how Sloan lets Williams call 80% of the plays and loves it, or that he wants his players to shoot more will ever be enough, so how am I supposed to argue the point.

As always, you missed the point because you go into panic mode if someone doesn't love jerry.

I am the one who gave correct and accurate statistical information. Again, you missed the entire point, the jazz do a good job of dwawing fouls, the jazz are a good offensive team, this in no way translates to the fact the jazz COMMIT more fouls than any team in the league. I do not know how you can possibley argue this point, the jazz foul too much, the have led the league in fouls committed 8 out of 9 years.

So given that the jazz are a good offensive team, if they cut down on allowing some many free throws it would help them win more games, what more do you want me to say. You are making my point for me, if the jazz have an advantage in free throws why throw it out the window and foul your opponant more than they foul you.

If you want, I'll just say that the jazz are great and the more you foul the more you win. Fouling is not a defensive stop by the way.

Wow! Even I am impressed with that other poster's vitriol!

However, We do welcome all onboard the Fire Sloan Express!

Meanwhile, a restless Araujo lifts weights somewhere in Siberia..

Fire/Retire Sloan

We both want the jazz to win; I just can't get exited about a jerry sloan coached team. Here's a question or 2- if the jazz get bounced in the first round this year, did they over achieve, underachieve? should LHM consider a coaching change? If they lose in the first round next year, shoud LHM consider a coaching change? Point being, windows on championships close quickley what if Boozer, williams or both bail in 2 years?

When would you consider a coaching change? Of course jerry wasn't going to be fired coming into this season, or during this season, but if jerry's track record continues, we need to give the players a new chance with a new coach/philosophy/attitude.

I'll say it one last time, just because fans do not love sloan, doesn't mean they are stupid. Look what happend when the utes finally got rid of ronnie Mac, the program went to a place no one thought possible. I really, really believe this would happen with the jazz.

The Jazz would be the best team in the league if they won every game. And we won't be happy until that happens!

Jazz are the middle of the pack in Opponent pts/game. (Lakers, Suns, Warriors, Nuggets are all worse than Utah)

Jazz are 3rd best at Steals/game.

The following is where Utah ranks for differential over their opponents

FG% - 3rd best
3pt% - 11th
Reb - 5th
Assists - 2nd
TO - 5th
Stls - 8th
Blk - 5th worst
Fouls - 8th most
Pts - 4th

Take the stats how you will. Jazz are one of the best teams. Sloan isn't the greatest, but one of the best. The players are still young. The sky is falling.

They are in the lower bracket for Blocks/game (but the Spurs, Hornets, Raptors, and Magic all are worse than the Jazz)

The Jazz are 3rd best at forcing turnovers for the opposing team.

They are in the top 3rd of opposing teams 3pt %

They are in the bottom half of opposing teams FG% (although there is little difference between the 3rd best Lakers @ 44.3% and the Jazz @ 46%)

Jazz are #1 in Opposing teams Rebounds

How many times do I have to name replacements??

Go back and read some the later comments from last week's articles.

I have never said that replacing Sloan guarantees a Championship. It only increases the odds.

I have always quoted Einstein who said,
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. "

Fire/Retire Sloan.. Expect different Results

Hey Jazz fans take a deep breath and look at the big pic. Look at San An's recent record. Do you think their fans are as all knowing as some here. Remember this is a TEAM. It's all the talents blending together make the Jazz a great TEAM to enjoy & support. SYNERGISM! CHEMISTRY! Trade this & that like all parts are inter-changeable. If you always want perfection don't look in the mirror or here. Saddle up & enjoy the ride.

Recent post should have been from Dick of the NW.

How about none of the above is true.

The problem is the system!

Good for getting a winning record.
Good for getting good point guards a lot of assists.
Good for getting the power forwards a lot points.
Good fo keeping the fans happy and always hoping.

The BAD:

Takes everyone else out of the offense.

Causes you to go after players that "fit" the system. Not players that can win you championships.

Causes players who don't like the system to look else where.

Causes players who see they won't be involved enough or won'r hae oppotunities to do much in the system to go else where or look else where.

Never puts you in a position to get the kind of players you need to win championships.

Make mediocre players look better thus they stay around taking the place of better players and take up salary money.

You need the right players!

Big physical men in the big men poistions and people who can shoot and do stuff in the other positions.

And a true team leader, something the jazz have NEVER had. Someone who can take over the game when needed.

re: Bi-Polar Wannabe

The stats you provide validate every point that the Sloan Haters Inc. have been debating.

The Jazz are a Good Team with a Good Coach. They don't lead in any single category you mention.

We want a Championship Team with a Championship Coach.

A wise man once said, "Don't settle for less when it comes to a wife or a coach."

That wise man is me.

Fire/Retire Sloan

Agian, Bi-Polar going all statistical on everybody. That guy is a MONSTER!

@ re:magnus

To answer your question I will say yes, I would consider a coaching change.

IF the Jazz lose in the first round this year
and IF they underacheive next year then absolutely I would jump on the bandwagon and admit that maybe it would be time for a coaching change.

Can you say the same thing.

If the Jazz won an NBA Championship would you think Sloan was one of the greatest coaches ever? If the Jazz don't win it all this year but they make it out of the first round and lose to a quality opponent in 7 games would you give Sloan another chance?

I don't think not loving Sloan makes you stupid, but I do think saying that he needs to be fired RIGHT NOW makes people look that way.

Maybe a coaching change would bring success the way firing Mcbride did to Utah. Or it could bring failure and mediocrity, like firing Lou Holtz did to Notre Dame.

@ Jimmy's sneakers

Sorry but it's hard for me to take anybody's predictions or opinions seriously when they talk about themselves in the third person.

@ All Sloan haters

Unless you are all Pat Riley or Phil Jackson in disguise and have coached an NBA team for the last 20 years, why should we believe anything you say about "how" a team should be coached. The most you guys have ever done is probably Jr. Jazz, if that. You couldn't hold pace with ANY NBA coach for ten minutes.

We both hope the jazz win. I think that what you said above is fair; I think you are getting some of my posts mixed up with the real "sloan hater" I don't think that jerry should be fired today or necessaraly at the end of the season. In short, I beleieve that jerry has had ample time to deliver better results than he has. I admit to the fact that I am very bitter about his run in the 90's and never got fired. I think jerry has some strenghts, but, I beleive his ego and elements of his philosoghy have a stiffleing impact.

I have said many times, the jazz have THE best home crowd in the NBA (thanks to fans like both of us) and a very talented roster, I just don't want to waste more time with a coach that I don't believe in, thats it.

To answer your question: if the jazz lose in the first round this year, jerry should be on the hot seat just like every other coach in the league in a similar circumstance, if they lose next year in the first round, I would go another direction.

I do see a lot of good points in your arguement but also a lot of holes. The jazz missed the playoffs 3 years in a row and in those 3 years who was the main man on the team(or main 2) that everyone loved? AK and many people loved Ostertag too. Sloan begins to look around and finds DWill and Booz and what happens. they still miss the playoffs but then Booz gets healthy and DWill gets experience and all of a sudden the Jazz are winning. I really think Sloan does more than you give him credit for. He is a great coach but yes he has a hard time winning the big one(well he has never won it). What would you be saying right now if MJ had stayed retired and the Jazz would have won 2 titles back to back? The only reason they didn't is cause of His Airness. Would he be a better coach and would you be a Sloan Hater? I think you wouldn't be a Sloan hater if he had won those 2 times.

And fyi, Michael Jordan never lost a finals. Their is a reason he is considered as the greatest player ever. Everyone that matched up against him for the ring lost. And that includes sloan twice. And how many coaches can say they have been to 2 straight finals? not many. and also let's look at the coaching change you suggest. Remember the Nets lost 2 finals in a row and so they fired their coach for not getting them the win and now look at them. They make the playoffs but it's rare to see them above .500 at seasons end and having any chance of getting back to the finals. I see your arguements but I think there are just as many ways to conter them as there are to support them.