Practice News Story: Sports

Utah Jazz Heat It Up
Posted March 23, 2007 8:56 p.m. PT

LOS ANGELES, Calif.-- Is the Jazz back on track with two wins in a row after a four game loosing streak? With tonight’s road victory against the Los Angles Clippers at the Staples Center 106-99 it seems as though they’ve got their fire back. This is their second win following their victory against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night 104-100. Two back to back three pointers made this Jazz victory a success in the final minutes.

This was a close game up to end. With only two minutes left on the clock, the game was tied at 97. C.J. Miles set a screen for Mehmet Okur, Paul Milsap dishing it to Okur. Okur then sunk a huge three to give the Jazz the lead 100-97. The following possession Derek Fisher drove the ball down the court and topped it off with another three pointer that won the game, giving the Jazz a six point lead against the Clippers. “I love feeling like I can do something to add some energy to the fire.” said Derek Fisher after the win.

This is the first road win the Utah Jazz have had since their win against the New Orleans Hornets on March 4. Head coach Jerry Sloan said, “We've had some trouble on the road, so it feels good to get a road victory.”

Sports Illustrated Analyst, Marty Burns, believes the Jazz are prepared for the playoffs. “This game solidifies what I’ve said about Sloan all along... he's coach of the year…he can get his team together ... they were behind at first but whatever Sloan said at half time they were able to come back in with energy.” Jerry Sloan is now entering his 19th season as head coach for the Utah Jazz which is the longest tenured coach with one franchise in major professional sports.