Lost in the shuffle...

[erudite23]

The Jazz are currently defending at the best rate in the NBA. They are #1 in eFG% as of today, at 46.2%. And not just that, they are head and shoulders above the rest of the NBA as the next best team is surrendering 47.2%. The 11th best team, Chicago at 48.2%, is as close to #2 (Lakers) as the #2 team is to us. We are #1 in 3pt pct allowed, #2 in raw FG% and also are among the best handful of teams in the league in steals.



BUT...we are a mediocre 10th in defensive rating. Why is this? Because we foul like no one's business--as usual--ranking 3rd to the worst in FTA/FGA. That is to be expected. But the bigger reason is this: we are the 2nd worst defensive rebounding team in the NBA, behind only the Phoenix Suns. To steal a line from a famous sports personality: this would never have happened if Jerry Sloan were still alive.

[Xsy]

I've been really aching from losing Boozer these past few games. The guy would even fight other Jazz men for the rebound-- people may see it as padding stats, but whatever it takes to gain possession of the ball is fine by me.

Utah wasn't too bad at rebounding last game, and you could tell even a lot of the smaller guys were even going in for the boards. I think they've been given a talkin' to. Let's hope the consistency sticks.

[GP]

lol, Jazz fix one part of their defense, only to have another part collapse.

[The59Sound]

No question our team defense is much-improved. If only our guys could learn what the **** boxing out is.

[gojazzmjsucks]

Agreed! we all need to go to a box out camp then we will be perfectly fine!

[QuantumMacgyver]

I've been really aching from losing Boozer these past few games. The guy would even fight other Jazz men for the rebound-- people may see it as padding stats, but whatever it takes to gain possession of the ball is fine by me.

Utah wasn't too bad at rebounding last game, and you could tell even a lot of the smaller guys were even going in for the boards. I think they've been given a talkin' to. Let's hope the consistency sticks.

The last thing I do when I watch this team is miss Boozer. Agreed the rebounding has been frustrating, but the improved D, hustle, willing to sacrifice personally stats to help the team win, and actually wanting to play here has been well worth it in my eyes. Boozer was like having a girlfriend whom you know doesn't wanna be with you, she's just waiting 'til she finds something better. <--- not that I have any idea what that's like.

[HolyToledo]

Compared to the last couple of years, im happy with the Jazz defense. We played absolutely no defense the last couple of years as the Memo-Boozer lack of shot blocking and foot speed was a complete disaster.

As for the extra fouling, we still dont have a prominent shot blocker which has been a Jazz problem for several years. Jefferson and Ak-47 block some shots but not enough as neither one is a true 7 footer to discourage penetration. Fess does a good job taking up space, but fouls way too much and lacks playing time.

So we are much better defensively exchanging Boozer, Korver, and Memo for Millsap, Jefferson, and Raja, but we are also worst offensively for now. Jefferson is looking better with each game so we are going to be a better team. overall.

Though rebounding going to be an issue all year long!

[HammerDunk]

I would say that the improved defense has come at the cost of a lot of rebounds. Going after the shooter is almost always going to get you out of place for the rebound, and that is usually what's going on for this team. It's a catch 22 that will be difficult to deal with all season long. You can't box your man out if you are helping defend the guy with the ball, and Boozer just would rather box out than defend the ball.

If this team can get used to accounting for the lost man when one of the bigs goes to help defend, then we will see improvement in the rebounding, but that simply isn't happening right now.

[The59Sound]

That definitely plays into it, but I'm not sure I'd call it the primary cause. Even when he hasn't challenged a shot, Jefferson just stands around and lets his man get position.

[carrottop12]

Our 4th quarter defense has been frighteningly good this year.

[Paper Face]

Rebounding is a part of defense. This team is basically still learning to defend together, but they are a new team when you take all the new pieces into account.

Also, they are relying heavily on their starters. Deron, Sap and Al are all averaging almost 40 per game. More punch from the bench will give the starters some relief and help on the boards.

I do agree, though, that Al needs to box out better.

[Hikari]

I liked Jefferson's comments after the Hornets game. He said he spend the day prior watching film and figuring out where he is messing up. He seems to be working really hard and I think he will get there in the end.