Kosta Koufos News

Neither starting point guard Deron Williams nor backup point Ronnie Price practiced when the Jazz worked out this afternoon at Suffolk University here.

DALLAS ? The Jazz haven't playing much defense at all lately. But Jerry Sloan has been, and he spent part of Tuesday night defending ? and dwelling on ? Carlos Boozer in particular.

Kyrylo Fesenko admits he's the type of player who occasionally needs outside help to stay motivated.

He joked about being a game-time decision for Friday night's home-opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

And the Utah Jazz 's home-opener began with a pregame meet-and-greet with the Miller family and Jazz brass at entry ways, a stirring rendition of the national anthem by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a Haka dance by powerful-looking Polynesian performers and fireworks.

Ronnie Brewer will not sign a contract extension with the Utah Jazz before Monday's NBA deadline.

Paul Millsap scored 17 of his 23 of his points in the second half, and the Utah Jazz used a 15-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters to beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-98 on Friday night.

After undergoing arthroscopic surgery Wednesday in New York to remove a bone spur from his left knee, Jazz shooting guard Kyle Korver plans to return to Utah and begin rehab as soon as he's fit to travel.

With Ronnie Brewer and Ronnie Price returning to the practice court Sunday, what looked like a potential crisis for the Jazz as they prepare to open the season could be downgraded to a mere concern.

Record-wise, the 2009 preseason will go down as the third-best in Jazz franchise history.

He missed the Jazz's final preseason game, a win Friday night at Sacramento, due to back spasms.

Kenny Natt exhorts the KIngs to get back on defense during their 95-85 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Live from the Rose Garden as the Portland Trail Blazers meet the Utah Jazz in completely meaningless preseason basketball.

What could be better than sitting four rows up from the floor at the ESA?A Jazz players all lined up in chairs being interviewed by Craig Bolerjack.A Fans got to hear first hand from the players their expectations for the season, how their offseasons went, and what they did on their preseason trip to Europe .

There was reassurance, with power forward Carlos Boozer scoring a game-high 20 points and point guard Deron Williams adding 19.

Did you attend this game? If so, start chronicling your sports memories today with ESPN's Sports Passport.

The crowd, many wearing Chicago Bulls jerseys and a few those of the Utah Jazz, did the wave.

The Bulls traveled 4,000 miles to play here, so a little last-second drama seemed about right.

LONDON ? Even after they've crossed the pond twice, and have returned later this week from games Tuesday night here in London and Thursday night in Madrid, the Jazz still will not be halfway through their preseason schedule.

Don't expect any tweets during Utah Jazz games from DWill_8_4real. Don't expect any texts from NBA players for several hours on game nights, either.