For every NBA team that is on a roll, there is a team that isn't. That's why we need the doctor -- Dr. Jack Ramsay. Each week in Dr. Jack's Prescription, the Hall of Fame coach will analyze a team in distress, and offer a cure to what ails them.
This week: Utah Jazz
|  | | Stockton and Malone are still mostly playing like All-Stars. |
The Symptoms
The Utah Jazz have lost three straight games -- four in a row at home for the first
time since the 1992-93 season. They started the season winning 16 of their
first 20 games, they've now lost 7 of the last 11.
In a recent home game with Portland, the Jazz appeared to have the game
won, holding a double-digit lead in the fourth period. But down the stretch,
the usually reliable Jazz turned the ball over on five out of six offensive
trips (they had 20 TOs for the game), missed a cluster of free throws (made
only 22 of 36 altogether), and the Blazers forced them into overtime. Once
there, Blazers point guard Damon Stoudamire took over to win it for the
visitors.
Karl Malone, the team's bellwether forward, has failed to produce his
customary numbers in the latest losing streak. Malone, a career 52 percent shooter,
made only 15 of 44 (34 percent) from the field in this three-game stretch, shot only
17 free throws (he had been averaging about nine attempts a game), and pulled seven
rebounds and scored 14 points on average -- well below his season marks of
22 ppg and 9 rpg.
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| Polynice |
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| Ostertag |
In their next loss at Golden State, the Warriors jumped all over the Jazz
from the beginning, although Utah managed to close the deficit to 11 points
at the end to make the final score somewhat respectable. But coach Jerry
Sloan was not a happy camper. Often the picture of gloom when his team's
winning, Sloan took on an especially dour countenance following that loss.
Sloan doesn't mince words when he talks to his players. Among other
criticisms, he told his players that they can't expect John Stockton and
Malone to carry the load every game. He expects the others to step up and be
counted. But the fact is that Stockton and Malone are the team leaders, and
the others play off them. If they don't lead the way, there's no one for the
others to follow.
The Diagnosis
The Jazz has gone through a stretch of inconsistent play -- a malady that has
infected every team in the NBA this season. In the earlier part of this year,
when Utah was 16-4, basketball followers marveled at their offensive
execution of basic basketball, their tenacity on defense, and their ability
to win close games. The Jazz were the model of efficiency that other teams in
the league tried to emulate.
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| Manning |
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| Vaughn |
But with their success, a trace of complacency appeared that disrupted the
smooth rhythm of the offense and the extra effort on defense. That
complacency opened the door of opportunity a crack, and the opposition forced
its way into the Jazz mystique. When the Jazz tried to regain their
intensity, they found opponents playing with more confidence and
purpose ... and winning. As Jazz losses began to pile up, player confidence --
always an elusive quality -- waned. Team free throw shooting wavered. (The
Jazz ranks 20th in free throw accuracy at 73 percent).
Bench players Jacque Vaughn and Danny Manning, who had sparked early
successes, lost their shooting touch. The big men (Olden Polynice and Greg
Ostertag) didn't defend and rebound as effectively. This affliction appeared
to even influence the play of Stockton and Malone. John was guilty of an
unusual rash of turnovers (five against Portland); Karl, at times, didn't seem
to want the ball down the stretch. The two future Hall of Famers -- especially
Malone -- must step up their games.
The difference between winning and losing is a fine line in the NBA. The Jazz
find themselves suddenly struggling to find a way to win.
The Cure
Utah must get back to the level that characterized its early season
play. When the offense flowed, ball movement was crisp, the screens were
well-set, and the cuts properly timed. Shot-making is easy when those things
occur. On defense, they must return to aggressive, smart execution of their
game plan and regain their rebounding effectiveness. They now rank 28th in
number of rebounds per game.
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| Marshall |
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| Starks |
But this is not a time for the Jazz to panic. Despite their recent slump,
they are tied for the Midwest Division lead with San Antonio, both with 20-11
records. And for all of their shooting woes, they lead the league in
field goal percentage at a healthy .475. This is a team comprised of veterans
who know what it takes to win; although several key players -- John Starks,
Donyell Marshall and Manning -- are new to the team and may yet be
experiencing a period of adjustment to coach Sloan and the Jazz system.
I have little doubt but that the Jazz will re-group and start another string
of victories soon. Sloan won't allow them to continue to perform below the
standards he sets for them. But they need to get back on track now. Utah
opens a three-game road trip Wednesday against the Lakers, then continues with away
games at Denver and Houston, no easy pickings. A successful trip would do
wonders to restore the team's confidence.
I expect Utah to battle San Antonio right down to the wire for the division
crown, although both will keep a wary eye on the upstart Dallas Mavericks.
For that to happen, the two stalwarts, Stockton and Malone, must lead the way, as they've done their entire, remarkable careers. Neither shirks that
responsibility. Malone will tell anyone who listens, "When I play good, we
win; when I don't, we lose." And the Mailman doesn't like losing.
My sense is that both -- barring injury -- will play well enough for the Jazz
to regain their winning ways, and the other team members will play better
because of them. When that happens, the Jazz inconsistencies will disappear,
the Ws will return, and Sloan may even force a smile now and then.
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ALSO SEE
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Grizzlies
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Nuggets
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Nets
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Heat
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Sonics
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Bucks
Dr. Jack's Prescription: Raptors
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