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Lack of defense and selfishness were to blame for the Jazz recent woes losing six of their last seven games. Against the Clippers, all those problems went away, at least for one night. The Jazz were active defensively, extra passes led to easy layups and the Jazz win easily over the Clippers.
"It was nice to get a win." said head coach Jerry Sloan, whose team now has 48 wins on the year. "It's been so long since we've had one, it was nice to be able to get one. I thought it was more of a team basketball game than what we've had."
The Jazz had 20 assists on 35 field goals and held the Clippers to 44% shooting on the night.
Related:
Harpring guides Jazz to big first half
The last time forward Matt Harpring started a game was all the way back in the 2006-2007 season. Monday, he took full advantage of the opportunity in his start against the Los Angeles Clippers.Carlos Boozer's defense held up well against Chris Kaman holding the Clippers center to just six of 14 field goals from the field.
"It goes hand in hand for some reason." said Boozer, " We play good "D", we share the ball, we move the ball, we set harder screens, we play better offensively, so we'll go back to it. The key for us is to lock up on the defensive end. Help each other defensively and help each other on the offensive end too. We had a lot of assist tonight."
"We passed the ball. I think we played well." said Matt Harpring, " And even though they're short handed," the Clippers only dressed 10 players, " they're not the best team in the league obviously, if feels good to get and win and builds confidence right now."
The Jazz also got a big lift from Harpring who started in place of an injured CJ Miles. He logged nine points, four rebounds, one steal, one block and brought some toughness that had been lacking for several games.
" I just try to do what I do. I got a little winded out there, but it's just part of the game that you go out. I try to, obviously, frustrate other players" said Harpring with a wry smile. In the second half, Harpring and Baron Davis were fighting for position underneath the basket when it appeared that Harpring hit Davis with an elbow. Davis retaliated by pushing Harpring to the floor. Both were assessed personal fouls and Davis was given a technical foul. "When I get my number called I just try to go out there and do my best." said Harpring.
Now the Jazz turn around to play the Lakers tuesday night. The Jazz have to win that game if they have any chance of avoiding the Lakers in a first round playoff matchup.
