"I never feel real comfortable in a zone. I think it's a gimmicky thing to do," Sloan said. "But when you've got guys [who] can't get over screens, can't guard guys on the floor, can't stay in front of them going to the basket, then you've got to try something different."

The Jazz trailed 32-23 after one quarter against the Suns, switched to the zone and took a 57-54 lead into halftime. They returned to it in the second half when Steve Nash went to the bench in foul trouble and the Suns turned to Goran Dragic at point guard.

Starting with their victories over the Clippers, the Jazz have made regular use of the zone. Their defense has been improved this season, giving up 93.4 points a game, down from 99.3 points last season.

The Jazz will look to improve to 6-0 at home with a Wednesday game against Milwaukee. Deron Williams (sprained left ankle) was expected to practice Tuesday and is a game-time decision to play against the Bucks.

Mehmet Okur was shooting on the court but wasn't expected to practice in full and also will be a game-time decision. Brevin Knight would not practice after suffering a strained left groin against the Suns but could play Wednesday.