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SALT LAKE CITY — Winning cures everything, at least for a while.
In the midst of an extensive losing streak, the Jazz were looking for something positive against the Orlando Magic, especially after a blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors Wednesday.
Luckily for Utah, the 7-14 Magic came into town, entering with their own two-game losing streak. Orlando’s losing streak ended at two games, while Utah’s streak extended to eight games with a 98-93 loss.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder said Utah is continuing to look for answers for the team’s struggles.
“Some of it for us is having a level of toughness and focus,” he said. “You can talk about position and habits and all those things, but at some point you’ve got to compete. I think that’s where we’ve got to find it for (long stretches).”
The day began with negative news for the franchise. On an interview with 1280 AM in Salt Lake City, Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said guard Alec Burks, who left Monday’s loss to Denver with a left shoulder injury, is out indefinitely while the team gathers opinions on his status.
"It's no fun losing, but we can't hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves," said Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder.
Utah coach Quin Snyder said the team misses Burks every time he doesn’t play.
“I think playing Toronto without Alec was tough because of the strength that they had at the guard position,” he said. “We’ve played the majority of the year without (rookie guard Rodney Hood), and now Alec, so it puts a lot on your bench. We’re a team that that’s important for us to have some of that scoring, presence or depth on the bench, too.”
The Jazz struggled with the Raptors’ guards Wednesday, allowing guard Kyle Lowry to score 39 points. Friday, Utah surrendered 20 points to rookie point guard Victor Oladipo.
Snyder said Oladipo’s performance is indicative of the talent he brings to the Magic’s roster.
“Oladipo is really good at getting to the rim,” he said. “That’s what he does, and he got in there and created some things for other guys. So, staying in front of guys in individual situations where we’ve got to stop our man (is important).”
While Orlando’s starting point guard made 9-of-12 baskets, Utah’s point guard — Trey Burke — made just 4-of-15 shots for 13 points.
Still, Burke said he did attempt to play within the flow of the offense.
“I just try and be aggressive and make plays for the team,” said Burke, who also finished with 11 assists. “I felt like I got some good looks, so I took them.”
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Jazz. Forward Derrick Favors blocked five shots, and Hood started and scored a career-high 15 points.
Snyder said Hood’s performance is exactly what the team needs from the rookie.
“I saw energy,” said Snyder, referring to Hood. “I saw a guy out there competing, and you could feel his presence out on the court when he was out there. It wasn’t perfect; no one is, but he was flying around a little bit and really working.”
Utah has two days off before traveling to play Sacramento Monday, with a home matchup against San Antonio looming Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Snyder said the team will focus on improving while keeping a positive mindset.
“We haven’t been playing well,” he said. “There’s times where we could play well and still lose a game, but we’re searching; they’re searching, I’m searching. Regardless of what kind of long-term commitment (you have), when you lose it’s difficult. We live here in the moment.
“It’s no fun losing, but we can’t hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves. We’re going to be in these situations, and we’ve got to make them work to the best of our ability.”
