Utah Jazz @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Monday December 20, 2010 5:00 PM MST

[twentytwo]

Seems like one of those games the Jazz overlook and then have a tough time coming back against a team launching a barrage of 3-balls. Hopefully this isn't the case.

I expect Evans in a suit; a game like this would (should) be perfect for Hayward to get some extended burn.

 

[Inn Dawn]

Mo Williams credits Jazz for starting his career off right

SOURCE

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams credits coach Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz with starting his career off right.

A second-round draft choice of the Jazz, Williams played just one season in Utah, but it was a beneficial one for a rookie learning how to play in the NBA.

"I learned the game,'' Williams said after Monday's shootaround and before Monday night's game against the Jazz at The Q. "That's a system that teaches you how to be a hard-nosed player. Obviously you're going to get that trait from Jerry....

"My time there was great. I always give Jerry Sloan and Phil [longtime assistant coach Phil Johnson] the utmost respect. I love those guys. They started my career off right.

I couldn't have gone to a better place to learn how to play this NBA game, learn work ethic, learn how to work hard and compete. I'm very glad for that opportunity.

"Unfortunately, it was only one year, but I learned a lot in that year. That year has gotten me to where I am today _ learning the game inside out, learning how to be a professional.

Asked about the beauty of Sloan's system, Williams said, "You've got to guard all five guys. A lot of teams in this league run a lot of sets where it's a two-man game or a three-man game. A lot of times in their offense, five guys are moving at one time and whoever's open is going to get the ball.''

 

[InGameStrategy]

Seems like one of those games the Jazz overlook and then have a tough time coming back against a team launching a barrage of 3-balls. Hopefully this isn't the case.

I expect Evans in a suit; a game like this would (should) be perfect for Hayward to get some extended burn.

Late-breaking news from 1320 KFAN: While working out with Kyrylo Fesenko, Mehmet Okur incurs a right ankle sprain.

Unlikely related to the Achilles injury, the talking heads are speculating, except that he was still not fully recovered.

Okur will be inactive tonight, which means that Evans is probably activated.

[Maybe Big Fes took the loss of playing time into his own hands << ducking >> . . . .]

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

Locked On Sports
In pre-game workout at Quicken Loans, Memo Okur left the floor after tweaking something (couldn't tell what) and went back to locker-room

Locked On Sports
Memo Okur was going through drills v. Fesneko. Got tweaked stepped to side and walked off floor without a significant limp.

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

With a win tonight Jerry Sloan ties Pat Riley for third all time on the NBA coaching win list

 

[NCJazz]

Late-breaking news from 1320 KFAN: While working out with Kyrylo Fesenko, Mehmet Okur incurs a right ankle sprain.

Unlikely related to the Achilles injury, the talking heads are speculating, except that he was still not fully recovered.

Okur will be inactive tonight, which means that Evans is probably activated.

[Maybe Big Fes took the loss of playing time into his own hands << ducking >> . . . .]

Fes: "Dammit Memo please tell me you are not hurt!!!!

 

[carolinajazz]

With a win tonight Jerry Sloan ties Pat Riley for third all time on the NBA coaching win list

...with a loss tonight...the Cav's gain more ping pong balls, with the hope of securing the #1 draft choice....and begin the long and arduous rebuilding process of replace Lebron James!

 

[KatieMCR]

Memo is out tonight. He twisted his right ankle. Luckily it was his right, and not his left. Hope it's not too serious.

Okay I see this was already posted. Anyway I hope Memo won't miss too many games due to this.

 

[VINYLONE]

With a win tonight Jerry Sloan ties Pat Riley for third all time on the NBA coaching win list

I really dont care. And I dont mean to talk **** about your post...Im just saying. Even Lenny Wilkens is high on that list.

 

[Inn Dawn]

Guys, don't think either of these two facts have been mentioned yet, but firstly Memo is out tonight due to some ***** **** injury and also OMS Gerald Sloan is on the cusp of tying Patrick Riley for #3 on the NBA's all-time coaching wins list. A monumental night, indeed.

 

[Siro]

Who else has hard time concentrating because of the Cavs ridiculously shiny and reflective floor?

 

[InGameStrategy]

During Q1, Locke and his shadow arguing about how to change slump created consistently by the starting lineup.

Concern is expressed that any changes will hurt the production of the backups.

IMHO, starting CJ--or putting him earlier (makes more sense to start him) is a no-brainer.

Bell has not merited the starting spot, even though he's both a veteran and a character guy << rolleyes >>.

As is customary, the backups instantly bring a spark, turning a tie game into a 6-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

So to start Q2, Sloan gives Memo's minutes to AK instead of Fes, even though AK at PF hasn't proven to be particularly effective (and even though Kiri rolls to a 1-for-6 start shootingwise).

If the combination works, fine; but it hasn't been too convincing historically.

CJ hot early, going 3-3 and then 3-4. THAT's why I'd rather have Miles in early--so you can see how hot he is sooner.