Utah started so strong, but things just started getting messy. As is often the case, Sloan is letting fouls drive substitutions. Early foul trouble to Kirilenko hurt Utah the last couple of times down the court, as the shorter Miles/Bell combo was overshot. That being said, with Terry out there, I'd rather have Price playing if he's gonna protect more or has more legs. Finally, with just over a minute left, he sits Jefferson also, and brings in Fes, but Dallas puts Nowitzki.
Elson has caused 3 turnovers, and Fesenko has logged two rebounds that he had to worked for. I say it more because I think that AJ should've stayed in there, even if Fes had to wait. Based on their brief cameos, Fesenko should get the backup nod. Deron was clearly frustrated by the lack of offensive movement.
Sloan starts 2Q with Watson-Price-Miles-Elson-Fes against Barea-Terry-Marion-Nowitzki-Haywood. Hack-a-Fes yields a 1-2 conversion at the line (better than it could be). Dallas is clearly sagging on Fesenko; after passing up one or two shots previously, Fes launches a brick jumper.
9:41 Elson is WIDE open, and Watson finds him. Utah needs that. Then Nowitzki immediately responds (6 points).
Fesenko with an out-of-control baby jump shot in the paint that goes in. Fesenko with six rebounds and Elson with two alley-oops. FE starts filling the offensive void that Deron was so frustrated with at the end of Q1. Utah up 28-27 with 8:14 left.