Just another night for Al Jefferson


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SALT LAKE CITY — Five in a row for the Jazz has earned them a spot back in the playoff picture sitting in the eighth spot and has earned Al Jefferson the Western Conference Player of the Week award after a great week.

Jefferson and the Jazz are finding their stride and it is happening at the best time. To earn the player of the week nod Jefferson had huge games on offense and defense. He averaged 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.25 steals and 1.5 blocks in four games last week.

His first night after being given the award all he did was score 24 and grab 10 rebounds in what seems like just another ho-hum game for the big man. In the 112-102 victory over the Trailblazers he also added 2 assists, steals and blocks. As the team is improving so is he, and that in turn helps the team.


It's a great feeling, but the main goal is to get into that postseason. I feel like, they say that Al Jefferson is the player of the week, I think its the Utah Jazz is the team of the week. Because if it weren't for my teammates I wouldn't have the success that I have.

–Al Jefferson


"It's a great feeling, but the main goal is to get into that postseason," Jefferson said "I feel like, they say that Al Jefferson is the player of the week, I think its the Utah Jazz is the team of the week. Because if it weren't for my teammates I wouldn't have the success that I have."

Jefferson and the Jazz have started to hit their stride with Gordon Hayward being inserted into the starting lineup. It didn't happen right away, but the Jazz are finding their rhythm from outside to help open up the inside.

"Definitely true, it works both ways," Hayward said. "When he's rolling and he kicks it out to us it opens it up to us. And when you got a guy like Randy [Foye] hitting 3-pointers, Mo [Williams] hitting 3-pointers they got to respect those guys and they leave him open. It's a double-edge sword right there."

Jefferson knows that it works both ways as well. In back-to-back games the Jazz have had a shooter catch fire. Against the Nets on Saturday it was Foye setting records with his 8-9 3-point shooting performance, while last night it was Williams going 6-7 from beyond the arc. Foye also went 3-6 last night.

The Jazz play inside-out, almost to a fault. The first move on almost all plays called will be getting the ball to Jefferson on the left block, early in the season he was holding it and just trying to force shots. Lately he has been waiting to see if the double team comes, looking for the open man and letting them take the shot.

Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz's Al Jefferson (25) defends in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game Monday, April 1, 2013, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz's Al Jefferson (25) defends in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game Monday, April 1, 2013, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

It all starts because he can create shots. He can take almost anyone one-on-one. His array of moves forces players to go for the ball on pump fakes and not overextend which allows him to get space when he needs it. Lately the Jazz have been helping him both by shooting well and creating space on the floor so he can get the ball where he wants it.

"Well he's getting the ball in his spot," said coach Tyrone Corbin. "For the most part he's getting it in the low post. Couple occasions he's getting it a step or two off, but he can get his shot there. But he's really difficult to deal with down low. Teams are going to have to double at some point."

When he gets going and has the mindset to look for the best shot, not his own shot, the Jazz are scary. The Jazz have struggled mightily in the first and third quarters for most of the season, but lately with Jefferson adjusting just a little the Jazz have started to own those quarters.

Last night the Jazz outscored the Blazers by 16 in the first and third and all of the starters scoring in double figures. This comes from the center-piece, Jefferson, making the right plays.

"I think he's letting the game come to him a little bit," Hayward said. "Obviously when he's on that block he kind of owns that. But he's getting a lot of easy buckets to get him started and then he kind of just goes from there once he gets going. I think Mo's doing a great job of finding people and getting in the middle of the lane creating for others."


That's all that matters. You look at the Baltimore Ravens, they started playing well at the right time and won a Super Bowl.

–Al Jefferson


Jefferson recognizes that the most important thing is being able to hit their stride at the right time. Playing well during the season is good, but if they can play great going into the postseason anything can happen.

"That's all that matters," Jefferson said."You look at the Baltimore Ravens, they started playing well at the right time and won a Super Bowl."

The Jazz still have to fight to make the playoffs, but have the inside track. If the Jazz can keep up their level of play they should make it, and who knows what will happen in the playoffs.

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