Jazz in Boise: Defensive Focus

Wouldn't it be great to see the Jazz play defense like Jerry Sloan did in his prime? That's a rarity these days, but something Sloan has been preaching here in training camp. Last year the Jazz gave up 99.3 points per game. Carlos Boozer said, "If we can cut that down to 90, 92, we'll win a lot more ballgames, especially on the road."

A big concern has been a big defensive presence in the paint, but unless Kosta Koufas bulks up, or Kyrylo Fesenko suddenly emerges as a reliable player the Jazz could struggle down low yet again.

Sloan told me that everyone's concerned about defensive technique, "but you've got to be in tune with the guys you're playing with." You can bet Sloan will be concerned if his team doesn't improve its defense. They have several offensive weapons. Now if they can just get on the same "defensive" page they should have a great season.

By the way if you haven't heard, the Jazz will hold a scrimmage that's open to the public at 4 p.m. Saturday in EnergySolutions Arena.

E-mail: kaiken@ksl.com

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